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The Most Widely Read Collector's Newspaper In The East Published Weekly By Joel Sater Publications www.antiquesandauctionnews.net
VOL. 44, NO. 51 FRIDAY DECEMBER 20, 2013
Rhoads And Rhoads Lasoes A Big One At Thanksgiving Weekend Sale H
istory can repeat itself, and after 30 years, Rhoads and Rhoads has taken advantage of the hypnotic buying mood that surrounds Thanksgiving weekend, nearly grossing seven figures at their sale held Nov. 29 and 30 in Spring City, Pa. The auction was led by the bronze sculpture titled “The End of the Trail” by famous American sculptor James Earle Fraser, measuring 31 inches tall, signed, and cast at the Roman
A South Carolina Civil War soldier’s round shoulder plate sold for $3,925 to a private collector bidding in the room.
Western cowgirl outfit that belonged to Charlotte Groves, $6,655.
Bronze Works Foundry in Brooklyn, N.Y., circa 1918, first edition No. 14 (of 33 known). The final selling price was $483,800, and the audience responded with applause. It was bought by an agent on behalf of an advanced collector of bronzes. “He realized he paid a lot, but they had to have it,” stated the buyer. James Earle Fraser (1876-1953) was an iconic figure in the world of American sculpture and was shaped at an early age by the American West. The story behind this two-day sale had to do with the material having descended in the Dorrance and Groves families. Many of the h i g h ticket i t e m s were from this major consignment. The Groves bought the TE Ranch in Cody, Wyo., in the early 20th century from Buffalo Bill Cody. “There was a lot of pressure. We did research for one year, and they (Rhoads) did everything they promised,” stated the individual who served as power of attorney working for the estate. Friday’s session included the ephemera from the Dorrance and Groves family, with a photo album from the TE Ranch selling to the Buffalo Bill Museum, located in Cody, Wyo., for $4,235. Tagging along was a grouping of more photos from Cody that branded $3,327. The jewelry from the Groves estate soared beyond their modest estimates. A vintage 1905 2-carat platinum diamond ring brought $17,545, while a J.E. Caldwell platinum diamond bracelet sold for $7,080. A formal portrait painting
by James Peale of Anthony Groves brought $11,800. The artwork that This No. 14 garnered the most (of 33 excitement was that known) of noted Western artist Fremont F. bronze sculpE l l i s ture titled “The End of the Trail” by well-known American sculptor James Earle Fraser (18761953), cast at the Roman Bronze Works Foundry, sold for $483,800.
(1897-1985). His painting titled “Threatening” sold for $35,400, and “Surprise Valley” sold for $22,990. American Indian items were highly sought after. A Sioux fully beaded vest sold for $4,425. A We s t e r n cowgirl outfit that The pair of belonged silver mounted to Charlotte spurs by Mark Morales Groves sold sold for $6,655. for $6,655, and a rare threebook edition of “The History of the Indian Tribes of North A vinAmerica” by tage J.T. Bowen 1905 closed at 2-carat $15,340. A Plains platinum Indian pictoral buffalo robe diamond ring from sold for $13,310 to a Colorado the Groves estate collector, bidding by phone. A pair brought $17,545. of silver mounted spurs by Mark Morales sold for a strong $6,655. Oriental rugs did well, as did other Indian items, assortJ.E. Caldwell ed glassware, sterling silplatinum diamond ver, and furniture. A South bracelet, $7,080. Carolina Civil War soldier’s round shoulder plate brought $3,925 to a collector in the salesroom. To round out the report, a life-size cast iron dog sold for $22,420 to a private collector. It was cast by the Hayward, Barlett & Co. and had resided in antique dealer Harvey Funderwhite’s front lawn in Eagle, Pa., for many, many years. Ron and Eileen Rhoads’ next large sale will take place at the end of January, 2014, date to be determined. For additional inforThe portrait painting by James mation, call 610- Peale depicting Anthony Groves sold “Surprise Valley” by Fremont Ellis 385-4818. for $11,800. sold for $22,990.
Fremont Ellis’s winter scene titled “Threatening” sold for $35,400.
A Plains Indian pictoral buffalo robe sold to a Colorado collector bidding by phone for $13,310.
The cast iron Chesapeake Bay retriever dog sold for $22,420 to a private collector.