Fairfield, Maine, December 1 & 2, 2006. There’s no denying it: quality goods plus quality marketing and presentation equals quality results. This philosophy of James D. Julia, Inc. has once again proven accurate. Their recent auction of fine glass and lamps boasted strong prices in every category including numerous surprises. The fabulous two-day sale was chock full of treasures for both the beginning and advanced collector. And page after page of the brilliant catalog was filled with items seldom seen in the marketplace. The rare and unusual fared exceptionally well.

Until the announcement by Julia’s a few months ago of the discovery of an extraordinary Pairpoint puffy owl lamp, there had been only five examples known to exist. This auction featured the sixth and the first example to ever be offered at public auction. Having been in the same family as long as the consignor could remember, it was inherited from her grandfather. Prior to the lamp’s consignment to Julia’s, a visiting relative had viewed the lamp and mentioned that it may be valuable. The two did some research at their local library and discovered that it was indeed rare, and quite valuable. They immediately called Julia’s and Sales Coordinator Dudley Browne booked a flight for the very next day. The lamp was authenticated and a deal was struck to bring this outstanding piece to auction. The base an elaborate heavy cast design of an owl perched on a branch with the glass shade in the form of a crouching owl. This piece saw tremendous activity, selling for $86,250 against a pre-auction estimate of $50,000/150,000.

Receiving significant attention was an important, fresh-to-the-market collection of mini lamps. This single-owner collection, numbering well over 400 pieces had been amassed over many years and had been in storage for several years. Enjoying one of the largest such offerings seen in a long time, eager collectors actively bid via telephone, absentee, and live via the Internet if not able to attend personally. The greatest surprise centered on a seemingly unending phone bidding battle that ultimately proved that pigs could fly. Bids mounted for a brown pottery figural mini lamp that depicted a portly pig munching a carrot, finally closing well beyond its $400/600 estimate at $14,950. The collection also included a rare white milk glass Christopher Columbus mini lamp with a figural bust of the great traveler with “Columbus” embossed on the base. Most collectors have heard of this piece, but few have actually seen one. It went out at $8,625, sailing past its $4,000/5,000 estimate. Sometimes timing is everything; other figural examples included two scarce Santa Claus mini lamps depicting the jolly old elf in milk glass. These very desirable lamps brought $8,912 and $7,187, each exceeding their $3,000/4,000 estimates.

A very rare three-piece white nailsea mini lamp by Charles Kempton & Sons with delicate white ribbon design sold for $4,600 against a $4,000/5,000 estimate. An exceptionally rare Stevens & Williams mini lamp in cranberry, cut to amber with a multi-faceted star pattern lit things up and selling for $5,175 against a $3,500/4,500 estimate. An extremely scarce opalescent mini lamp with pink, white, and clear design on crystal feet brought $5,980 against expectations of $3,000/4,000 while a rare pink opaline example with vertical paneling and crystal leaf-style feet brought $3,450 against an $800/1,200 estimate. The collection also consisted of numerous rare satin glass examples, including a diamond quilted, mother of pearl lamp that brought $3,737 against a $1,500/2,000 estimate. A stunning Royal Doulton fairy lamp with Burmese shade and tapestry base surpassed its $800/1,200 estimate to sell for $3,737. And a gorgeous cameo glass fairy lamp with domed top with red and white flowers on a citron background sold for $2,990, exceeding its estimate of $750/1,250.

The auction highlights continue with a selection of rare Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre. This magnificent and vibrant variety that wasn’t a huge commercial success in the 1920s when it was produced, is now believed to have been ahead of its time. The pottery with its superb artistry and depth was the work of Daisy Makeig-Jones and is highly sought after as there are precious few still in existence. An exceptional museum quality covered malfrey pot in the “Ghostly Woods” pattern, depicting a host of mystical figures sold for $40,250 against a presale estimate of $35,000/45,000. A “Jeweled Tree” covered vase, decorated with woodland creatures scampering below large tree trunks that extend upwards into a rich pattern of gold gilt and brightly colored jewels, saw active bidding. It changed hands at $9,775 at the upper end of its $7,000/10,000 estimate. A gorgeous footed punchbowl in the Poplar Tree pattern brought $10,350 against an $8,000/12,000 estimate. Complementing this fine offering was an original watercolor by Makeig-Jones that depicted elves in a pine tree in the fashion of her exceptional pottery decoration. It purportedly was given as a gift by the artist to the chief designer of Wedgwood. This unique artwork sold for $9,200 against a pre-auction estimate of $8,000/12,000.

The auction was further highlighted by an array of Tiffany lamps, vases, and accessories, which remain exceedingly popular in the marketplace. In the lighting category was a gorgeous Tiffany crocus table lamp with beautiful yellow crocus flowers against a background shading from green to cream. It sold for $34,500 against an estimate of $30,000/40,000. A Moorish chandelier featuring heavily rippled white glass accented by bronze swirling Moorish designs flourished at $43,125, above a presale estimate of $30,000/40,000. A Tiffany Studios Fleur de lis table lamp with a striated green geometric panel background on a bronze torpedo base sold for $13,800, within its $12,000/15,000 presale estimate. A very appealing Tiffany geometric table lamp with mottled green and amber glass panels on a squat bulbous bronze base brought $10,925, exceeding expectations of $6,000/8,000.

Other fine lamps and lighting included a spectacular Wilkinson leaded chandelier with floral design in vibrant blues, reds, and whites against a striated green background. Though the shade was unsigned, an exact example of this shade appears in Paul Christ’s book Mosaic Shades, Vol. I. One of the finest examples of Wilkinson’s work, it sold for $13,800 against a $12,000/15,000 estimate. A Bergman figural cold painted bronze mechanical lamp made some chuckle and others blush. It depicted two Middle Eastern gentlemen peeking thorough the windows of a bathhouse. When activated, the curtain would swing open to reveal a bathing nude maiden inside. A brilliant combination of detail and ingenuity, this wonderful piece sold for $8,625 against a $2,000/3,000 estimate.

Tiffany glass included an iridescent blue vase decorated with purple highlights and gold hooked feather design. It sold for $9,200 versus a pre-auction estimate of $5,000/7,000. An outstanding Tel el Amarna vase in rare bright yellow with a hint of iridescence in a bronze holder. It sold for $8,050 versus a pre-auction estimate of $6,000/9,000. A monumental Tiffany Studios flower form vase with green pulled feather decoration on an opal background was highlighted by a gold iridescent interior. It sold for $8,050 within its $7,000/9,000 estimate.

Other Tiffany included a rare bronze inkwell consisting of three scarabs surrounding a domed lid. With rich brown patina and strong green highlights, it brought $13,800 against an $8,000/12,000 estimate. A Tiffany Furnaces desk clock with a steeple top and decorated with red enamel on gilt bronze sold for $6,612, above an estimate of $2,000/4,000. Other desk accessories included a stunning Tiffany Furnaces paper rack in an Art Deco pattern of blue enamel on gilded bronze. It sold for $5,520 against an estimate of $3,500/4,500.

Steuben was also well represented. The offering centered on an extremely rare red Aurene decorated vase. Pictured in “Art Glass Nouveau” by respected authorities Ray & Lee Grover, this spectacular vase decorated with red, white, and gold Aurene in a drag-loop and feather decoration brought $40,250, just over its $30,000/40,000 estimate. This even surpassed the example Julia’s sold in May of this year for $33,350 (which exceeded its $20,000/30,000 estimate). An iridescent gold, green and white Aurene flower form vase with leaf and vine decoration and gold interior finished up at $17,250 versus an estimate of $10,000/15,000. And a Steuben gold Aurene vase with white millefiori canes and green heart and vine decoration on an iridescent background sold for $11,500 within its pre-auction estimate of $10,000/15,000. A select offering of rare Victorian glassware added to the breadth of the sale. A Mt. Washington Napoli biscuit jar decorated with the ever-popular Palmer Cox Brownies sold for $5,462, exceeding expectations of $2,000/3,000. Also included was a selection of Royal Flemish such as an elaborate ewer with a crowned lion sporting a lance and shield. It brought $4,600 against an estimate of $4,500/6,500. KPM items included a lovely porcelain plaque of a voluptuous seminude Victorian lass. The blood was pumping and the bid cards raised and lowered in a rhythmic cadence, finally finishing up at $4,025.

A generous offering of Webb English cameo included a magnificent plate with light blue cameo floral design showing flowers in different stages of growth. Set against a medium blue translucent background, this rare item sold betwixt its $5,000/7,000 estimate for $6,037. A beautiful two-color cameo vase with white tulips on a red background brought $2,587 against a $2,200/2,600 estimate.

Complementing the English cameo was a vast assortment of French cameo glass including marvelous works by Daum, Galle, Desire Christian, Burgun & Schverer, Le Verre Francais, Schneider, and more. A spectacular Daum vase featuring enameled seagulls situated against a setting sun sold for $27,600, screaming past its $12,500/15,000 estimate. A complete journey through the four seasons in glass began with a Daum Nancy cameo and enameled spring scene vase. With meticulously detailed waterside birches, it sold for $20,700, far exceeding a pre-auction estimate of $10,000/15,000. A twosome of Daum prairie vases internally decorated with a fade from green to pink and highlighted with enameled trees, grass, and flowers showed summer in all its splendor. The larger sold for $28,750 (exceeding expectations of $18,000/22,000) while the smaller brought $10,350 against a $10,000/15000 estimate. A beautiful Daum rain scene ewer showing barren trees bending in the driving cold autumn rain against a mottled pink and frosted gray background sold for $20,125, just over its forecast of $15,000/20,000. Completing the year, a fine Daum Nancy winter scene vase with cameo trees and white blanketed ground against a rich orange background. It sold for $13,800 against a $10,000/12,000 estimate.

An outstanding Daum acid cut handled vase featured an applied cameo dragonfly that formed the handle of the vase. The naturalistic insect’s wheel carved body in green and brown hovers above a stylized scene of pond plants. This marvelous piece received much attention and active bidding, selling within its presale estimate of $15,000/20,000 for $17,250. A lovely soft blue Daum vase with white cameo trees and swans highlighted by spots of enamel sold for $11,500 versus a $10,000/15,000 estimate.

The selection of Galle was highlighted in part by a mold blown purple on yellow hyacinth vase with green cameo leaves. It sold for $14,950 against a presale estimate of $10,000/15,000. A rare Galle brown and yellow Persian rider vase with ornate flourishes throughout sold for $17,250 against a $15,000/25,000 estimate. A monumental Galle vase with an Oriental influence with enamel and cameo flowers covering this magnificent piece caught the attention of several collectors. It can only go to one, the one willing to pay $6,037 regardless of an estimate of $3,500/4,500.

Other glass included a fabulous Schneider marquetry vase. This extremely rare vase with inlaid flowers and stems against a mottled polychrome background sold for $27,025 versus an $18,000/22,000 estimate. A fantastic Desire Christian vase with wheel carved flowers and leaves in rich colors that showed the colors come alive with rich colors and minute details in this work of art. It sold for $6,612, more than doubling its $3,000/5,000 estimate.

Also a favorite among collectors, a gorgeous early R. Lalique Milan vase in rich amber with molded allover branch decoration sold for $11,500 at the upper end of its $10,000/12,000 estimate. A wonderful and rare Lalique gold enamel scent bottle with its original decorated leatherette box was apparently a must-have. Bidders ignored the $5,000/8,000 estimate, driving the final price to $16,100. An R. Lalique Ceylon patterned vase with parakeets surrounding the top perimeter sold for $8,050 against an estimate of $5,000/6,000.

Mark one up for the curious and unusual. An extremely rare Martin Bros. Figural tobacco jar from the 19th Century of a grotesque bird could not be passed up. A blue moon opportunity, it sold for $34,500 at the upper end of its $25,000/35,000 estimate. Also quite rare and unusual, but in a different manner, was a pair of books by Paul Morand. Each illustrated with numerous original watercolors by such names as Raoul Dufy, Andre Favory, Andre Lhote, and others they sold for $4,025 and $3,737 respectively, each exceeding their $2,000/3,000 estimates.

The sale was rounded out by a selection of estate jewelry with several highlights worthy of mention. The hottest thing these days seems to be anything with dragonflies. A 14kt white gold, diamond, and amethyst dragonfly brooch buzzed past its $750/1,000 estimate to sell for $3,910. An all diamond and white gold example sold for $2,530 while a ruby and sapphire dragonfly brooch sold for $2,990, each far exceeding their $450/650 estimates. An absolutely fabulous 6.19 ct. diamond solitaire ring set in a six-prong platinum setting carries a lot of heft, but unfortunately failed to find a buyer.

Julia’s next lamp & glass auction will take place in the spring and will feature extraordinary Tiffany, fine art glass and lamps, and much more. Other auctions include Julia’s winter art and antiques auction, which will take place February 2 & 3. Julia’s firearms & militaria auction will take place in March with an antique advertising, toy & doll auction following in late spring. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these auctions. For more details, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: jjulia@juliaauctions.com.

Fairfield, Maine-November 11, 2006. Old time transportation toys comprised a central portion of James D. Julia’s recent fall auction, much to the delight of collectors. And that was only the beginning. This joined tremendous collections of early Christmas and vintage Halloween items, cast iron airplanes, antique advertising, rare coin-op, fine dolls, and more. The results were dazzling. The total low estimate of items sold was approximately $493,000, and when the final hammer dropped, Julia’s realized just over $830,000, setting several new World Auction Records along the way.

Coming fresh from an enormous Massachusetts estate collection of about 250 sets and individual trains, several hundred American and European examples helped show the strength of the market and Julia’s ability to reach key buyers. Included was an outstanding and exceedingly rare Marklin “Paterson” train station, highly detailed with yellow brick, arched windows, and peaked roof. German made for the American market, this two-story version hasn’t been offered publicly for nearly three decades. A similar version marked “Newark” sold recently from the Ward Kimball Estate that brought just over $26,000. The example in Julia’s auction with its rarity and its wonderful condition made it far exceed its presale estimate of $8,000/12,000 to finish up at $40,250, setting a new World Auction Record! The circle will be complete when it returns to Germany, going to a very happy collector. Other German examples included a Marklin O Gauge clockwork steam type locomotive, tender, and two coaches. Brightly and colorfully hand painted the set more than doubled its estimate of $900/1,500 to bring $2,645. Two hand painted Marklin one-gauge cars from 1905, a dining car and a smoking car, saw active bidding from the audience and several phone bidders. They went for six times their $400/700 pre-auction estimates, finally selling for $2,530 apiece.

Those in attendance were impressed by Julia’s efficient handling of the 700 total lots that hammered down for very strong prices time after time. Collector/dealer Ken Post, who attended with his son Kenny, was very active throughout this portion of the sale, buying several virtual train yards of Lionel, Ives, American Flyer, and Marklin. “Julia’s staff was great, and extremely helpful,” Post said after the sale. “They pulled together and got my purchases ready in what had to have been record time. The service was just amazing.” Of Post’s many purchases, one of the favorites was a rare and desirable Carlisle & Finch brass Interurban car, which took bids to $5,750 against a $2,500/3,500 estimate. Others included an outstanding Lionel brass and nickel #7 engine and tender that brought $5,060 versus an estimate of $1,800/2,800. And a rare Voltamp 4-wheel standard gauge trolley was a surprise. Ignoring its $700/1,000 estimate, it sold for $3,220.

Also in attendance were Don Lewis and Lynn Smith, who were equally happy with how the auction was handled. Purchasing a great number of pieces, they enjoyed the vast selection of standard gauge American trains including a marvelous Lionel Blue Comet set. This must-have for every choice collection sold for $7,475 against expectations of $3,000/4,000. A Lionel Olympian electric #381E locomotive changed hands at $3,565 despite a $1,100/1,600 estimate. Others included a variety of American Flyer trains such as a fine American Flyer “Flying Colonel”. The deep cobalt blue sovereign of the rails pulled in at $4,140, above expectations of $2,000/3,000. A rare American Flyer Pocahontas set with a Shasta electric locomotive and the longer style passenger cars brought $3,335, just over its $2,000/3,000 estimate. And a dark red Ives #3241 locomotive with three matching passenger cars sold for $2,300 against a presale estimate of $500/700. And an Ives standard gauge electric locomotive #3242, in spite of its condition and $100/200 estimate, still sold for a strong $2,070.

Other popular playthings in the auction were several rare cast iron planes from the Fred Gilliam collection. An affable southern gentleman, aviation expert, and longtime collector, Mr. Gilliam began his interest in aviation as a teenager. The offering was fresh to the market, having been assembled over many years. He was elated with the results relayed by Julia’s chief toy & doll consultants Jay Lowe and Mike Caffarella of Lancaster, Pennsylvania in a post-auction telephone conversation. Topping the list was a rare large Hubley DO-X plane. Featuring dual tailfins and six simulated engines atop the single wing, it reached new heights to set a new World Auction Record of $9,200, well beyond its $3,500/5,500 estimate. The successful bidder of a Dent “Lucky Boy” may feel as such having “landed” this rare piece. Only a handful are known to exist, and this silver plane with an impressive 12-1/2” wingspan soared past its presale estimate of $4,000/6,000 to bring $8,050. A rare Dent “Air Express” with rubber tires and wooden hubs sold for $7,475 against a $4,000/6,000 estimate. An outstanding all-original Hubley “Friendship” tri-motor, single wing seaplane sold within its $5,000/8,000 estimate for $6,325. Because of its strikingly excellent condition, retaining nearly all of its brilliant yellow paint, it was still considered by many to be a bargain.

Other cast iron toys included an unusual Arcade International United News panel truck. Painted in two-toned green with yellow pin striping, retaining its original Arcade decal and original rubber tires, it sold for $5,175. A restored 1930s Hubley Packard with sweeping lines and classic styling brought the midpoint of its $8,000/12,000 estimate at $10,062. An uncommon compact Hubley Mack tank truck nearly tripled its $1,100/1,300 estimate to sell for $2,990.

Other toys included a selection of pressed steel including an all-original Buddy “L” bus. Always a popular choice, this fresh-to-the-market example of this large and detailed toy sold to a man who said he had to own this bus because he remembered having one as a child. Cost of one Buddy “L” bus: $9,200. Being able to relive one’s childhood: priceless. A rare early Bing tin delivery truck and trailer brought $8,050 against a $5,000/6,000 estimate. An early Stevens boy riding a velocipede clockwork toy exceeded expectations of $1,900/2,300 to sell for $3,450. And a rare Ives Sambo animated cap gun in outstanding condition sold for $3,162, exceeding its presale estimate of $2,000/3,000. A possibly unique illuminated Statue of Liberty bank formerly of the Tony “A.J.” Koveleski collection brought $2,875 against an $800/1,000 estimate.

While black toys and memorabilia shock some and make others chuckle, they demonstrate a part of American history that also indicates how far we’ve come. Regardless of one’s stand on the genre, its popularity cannot be denied. Examples in this auction included a rare Marx “Spic and Span” black dancer windup with its original box that carried a pre-auction estimate of $800/1,200 and finished up at $2,530. The rare single character version entitled Spic Coon Drummer beat its $500/800 estimate to bring $977. A Stock Rollo-Chair, modeled after the boardwalk carts of Atlantic City, being manned by a black porter surpassed its estimate of $700/1,000 to sell for $1,035.

Of slightly more recent vintage were two Japanese automotive toys from the 1950s. A very clean J.T.Y. Jet Racer friction car with its original box did well, selling for $1,495, at the upper end of its $1,200/1,500 estimate. A Yonezawa #98 Champion’s Racer, modeled after the 1952 racecar driven by winner Troy Ruttman managed to beat its $700/900 estimate to bring $2,415.

A small grouping of dolls, teddy bears, and such also fared very well. Outselling the last example that Julia’s sold in 2003, and establishing a new World Auction Record for any Door of Hope doll a rare Manchu woman in mint condition sold for $9,200 against an estimate of $3,500/5,500. A gorgeous 20” Depose Jumeau #8 with blue paperweight eyes and finely painted facial features brought $6,900 against an estimate of $4,500/6,500. A large 28” Paris Bebe with a delicate expression sold for $6,325 within her $4,500/6,500 estimate while a 22” Rayberrry & Delphieu #2 went for $2,415. And a rare Kathe Kruse #1, despite lacking clothes was still a popular choice, bringing $3,450 against an $800/1,200 estimate.

Steiff animals, a crossover item for doll and toy collectors did extremely well at Julia’s auction. One of the sleepers of the auction was a rare circa 1903 Steiff “60 PB” monkey modeled after the smoking monkey in Albert Carre’s circus. Retaining its early elephant button in its ear, it was expected to bring $800/1,200 and ultimately sold for a phenomenal record setting $6,612. A 16” brown Steiff teddy bear circa 1910 found eager bidding, resulting in a $3,450 selling price, exceeding an estimate of $1,000/1,500.

Other animals included an exceptional French papier-mâché growling bulldog. In outstanding all original condition, including his straw collar and working growler, it surpassed its $1,500/2,000 estimate to sell for $3,737. A scarce Schoenhut gorilla from the Humpty Dumpty Circus series brought $2,875 against a $2,000/3,000 presale estimate.

In addition was a fabulous array of antique advertising of every medium. A very significant piece, a complete Lucky Strike die cut cardboard display featuring 1928 MVP award winners Mickey Cochrane and Jim Bottomley was found under a stairwell in a building recently purchased by a church in southern Virginia. Occasionally, the individual die cut figures become available for sale. However, it is as rare as a Red Sox pennant win to see the central field with a larger than life pack of Lucky’s hovering over a baseball diamond. Not only was it absolutely fresh to the market, but not having seen daylight for over 75 years, the colors were nearly as vibrant as the day it was printed. This complete and extremely rare set hit a homerun, scoring $34,500 against a presale estimate of $12,000/18,000.

For soda collectors, Julia’s featured a grouping of antique soda syrup dispensers. Leading the pack was one of two seldom seen Chero Crush dispensers. The large, cherry red, globular ceramic vessel, beautifully decorated with leafy branches around its floral base met with a heated bidding war that finished up at $14,375. An outstanding Liberty Root Beer ceramic dispenser also saw active bidding, selling for $4,887 versus a $2,500/3,500 estimate.

For the outdoorsmen, other advertising included a select grouping of firearm-related calendars and posters from the most recognized names in the industry. Two sets of rare Winchester 5-piece displays (one set being new old stock) depicting various outdoor pursuits brought $4,312 apiece, selling at the upper ends of their $3,500/4,500 estimates. A very rare 1905 Du Pont Powder Company calendar depicting a water spaniel retrieving a mallard blew away its $1,000/2,000 estimate when it sold for $4,025. Du Pont’s 1904 calendar depicting a busy train depot scene sold for $3,220 against a $1,000/2,000 estimate.

Other advertising included a fabulous reverse on glass hosiery department sign from F.W. Woolworth Co. that went back to the famous family after a seemingly unending bidding battle that finally ended at $2,185, nearly ten times its estimate.

Coin-op and gambling included some very choice examples such as an exceedingly rare Caille Quintette floor model slot machine/trade stimulator. So named because the person playing the reel machine was given five ways to win with several poker hands. This very elaborate piece carried a $20,000/40,000 estimate and sold for $29,900. Also quite rare was an outstanding Caille Wasp tabletop slot. This diminutive nickel-plated machine with its wheel decorated with insects was an excellent example. It sold for $14,950 all but toppling its $10,000/15,000 presale estimate. Setting yet another World Auction Record, a fabulous and rare German upright candy vendor with an elaborate windmill casting on the front sold for $12,075, surpassing its $4,000/8,000 estimate. Until recently, European machines were shunned by American collectors, but because of their styling and appeal, they’re now highly sought after. Another item, believed by some to be a gambling machine, by others to be a training device for bicycle racers, a rare Narragansett Machine Co. machine brought $9,200. Consisting of two stationary bikes placed side by side in front of a large dial that shows two color-coded arrows or hands that gauge the racers’ progress. Whatever your opinion of its purpose, there’s no denying that this is one clever piece

The cavalcade of toys and decorative items in this auction also included a great selection of holiday items. The Nathan and Tim Mylin collection of top-shelf Christmas pieces included a marvelous wheeled pull-toy featuring Father Christmas driving a formed moss sleigh adorned with Dresden doves. This outstanding piece sold for $21,275 against a presale estimate of $8,000/12,000. This was followed by a delightful diorama with a similar design, but being more massive and detailed. Residing in a custom display case with Father Christmas and his packed moss sleigh, it came to the block with a $8,000/12,000 estimate, settling in for $19,550. A most unusual cased diorama of a one reindeer sledge against a painted winter background brought $1,725 versus an $800/1,200 estimate. The buyer of the previously mentioned two lots was absolutely ecstatic to win them. Even though she paid well above their estimates, she still felt she got a bargain. Other highlights included a 17” wheeled platform papier-mâché Santa driving a moss sleigh. Surpassing its $2,000/4,000 estimate, it sold for $4,600. A similar example with Santa in a brown coat sold for $3,105, just over expectations of $2,000/3,000. A rare Santa Claus mini lamp in molded white milk glass was a bargain, selling for $3,105 versus a $2,500/3,500 estimate.

Competing for the greatest holiday ever was a collection of over 180 vintage Halloween items including many rarities. Included was a wonderful selection of papier-mâché, composition, and 1950s hard plastic pieces all in a sea of orange and black. A wonderful albeit evil looking devil bat creature with cardboard wings on a papier-mâché body ascends from the nether regions to reach a heavenly $2,185 surpassing its $500/800 estimate. 1950s plastic included all three known variations of Halloween witches on motorcycles including the rare white cycle version. Ignoring its $300/500 estimate it sold for $1,236. Despite some restoration, an early composition chauffeur Jack-o-lantern still saw active bidding, selling for $2,300 against a $500/700 estimate.

Julia's upcoming auctions include a fabulous glass & lamp auction, taking place December 1 & 2, 2006 at Julia’s facilities in Fairfield, Maine. It will feature a vast array of over $2 Million worth of rare lamps, Tiffany accessories, Fairyland Lustre, and more. Julia’s will also conduct their next antiques & fine art auction in January 2007 and an important firearms and military memorabilia auction in March. Julia’s next toy & doll auction will take place in Spring 2007. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: jjulia@juliaauctions.com.

Julia’s firearms auction was October 9th, 10th & 11th, grossing $8.3 million together with their March sale which grossed over $9 million are the two highest producing firearms auctions in North America this year! The sale’s success per owner and auctioneer James D. Julia, was a result of a number of factors: pedigree, diversity, quality and rarity. Indeed, over the past few years these characteristics have become standards at Julia’s auctions. This auction included firearms and/or the entire collections of noted collectors/firearms dealers such as Jay Huber, Roy Marcot, Paul Sorrel, Dr. Glen Marsh, Dr. James Goforth, Dr. Sam Poppell, D. G. Edwards and the William Hancock collection, whose collection was put together prior to 1937, at the time he passed away, his entire collection was put away by the family and not offered for sale until a few months prior to it being offered to Julia’s auction company.

Session I, Monday, began with a diverse offering of early firearms; a highly decorative and unusual flintlock pistol with highly figured stock, marked “H. Ellis” estimated at $4,000-$6,000, it brought a whopping $33,350. A pair of fine Wesley Richards flintlock traveling pistols estimated at $7,500-$10,000, sold for $10,750. One of the rarer, more desirable early Martial flint pistols is the Harper’s Ferry Model 1805 which brought $13,225. A beautiful and extremely rare combination German Wheelock and fuse lock dated 1603 with outstanding ivory inlay realized $25,875 and an extremely rare Ames Model 1842 percussion revenue service pistol estimated at $4,000-$6,000, went out at $6,325. Session I also included the noted Jay Huber Collection of Remington firearms. Renowned firearms “guru” Norm Flayderman and many others referred to Jay as “Mr. Remington” not only for his passion of Remington firearms, but also for his scholarly knowledge that he has amassed over the years. This fine collection included a Remington Model 4 American Boy Scout rifle w/bayonet and original hang tag estimated at $2,000-$3,000 sold for $5,520. A rare Beal 2nd Model percussion pocket revolver in its original cardboard box, together with accessories, carried a presale estimate of $3,500-$5,000, but sold at $4,890. A Beal’s 1st Model (also in its original cardboard box w/accessories) estimated at $3,500-$5,000 sold for $4,600. A rare Remington new model percussion revolver with original cardboard box and accessories saw a great deal of bidding activity and finally sold at $14,950. Jay’s rare martially marked Remington Beal’s Army percussion revolver was estimated at $6,000-$10,000 and sold for $11,500. His engraved gold & silver plated Remington Beal’s Navy conversion, estimated at $3,500-$5,000, sold for $6,600. An extremely rare Remington Rider magazine pistol with the original case-hardened frame carried a presale estimate of $5,000-$7,000 and sold for $6,600 while an excellent Remington Elliot five-shot pepperbox w/original cardboard box carrying an estimate of $4,000-$6,000, sold for $6,325. A rare Remington Elliot Zigzag six-shot 22 cal. pistol, estimated at $2,500-$3,500, sold after a long bidding battle for $8,000. A scarce Forehand & Wadsworth new model Army revolver, attractively mounted and displayed by Jay in a special presentation case was estimated at $2,000-$3,000 but finally ended up at $5,175. Shortly after Jay decided to consign his collection to Julia’s, his good friend, Roy Marcot also an avid Remington collector and scholar, consigned his select collection of Remington long arms. Roy’s exhibition quality, factory engraved Remington rolling block military rifle with silver presentation plaque was one of only four known presentation quality rolling block military muskets made by Remington. It carried a presale estimate of $7,000-$10,000 and sold for $12,650. Roy’s collection contained many rare items but of equal importance was the condition; item after item represented outstanding condition and a Remington #1 long range Creedmoor rifle, estimated at $6,000-$9,000 sold for $11,500. A beautiful rare Remington rolling block #7 sporting rifle estimated at $5,000-$8,000 finally sold for $9,775.

Session II began on Tuesday and was the largest session of the three. A very rare Walsh Colt short Navy revolver estimated at $8,000-$10,000 was one of the first few lots sold, went out at $16,675. A small select grouping of considerably rare Colts from the collection of the late, well-known Colt dealer and collector Paul Sorrell included an exceptionally rare cased Colt Paterson 1st Model ring lever rifle which sold for $155,250. The very next lot was a fabulous engraved Colt cased London dragoon. Paul had been told when he purchased the gun that it had originally come from a young lawyer by the name of Richard Nixon who later went on to become President of the United States. The details of which Julia discovered just before the sale. Sometime in the 1950’s, a Swedish gunsmith while in New York got a moving traffic violation. He went to the Nixon law firm to handle the matter, and in a later personal conversation with Nixon, Nixon discovered that he was a gun enthusiast; he took him back to his apartment and virtually gave him this rare gun as a gift. Over the years, many people tried to purchase it from him and some years later, in the early 1970’s one of the most famous of all firearms collectors, Bill Locke, learned of the gun he traveled to Sweden to view it. While there, he attempted to buy it from the Swede who refused to sell it because it had been given as a gift. Eventually Locke offered what was a princely sum at that time of $10,000!! The owner finally succumbed. That night in his hotel room, Locke carefully took the gun completely apart, examined it for genuineness and eventually went to sleep. He packed his bags the next morning and returned home. After unpacking his bags he discovered that somehow he had lost the original cylinder. He immediately contacted the hotel in Sweden and eventually even flew back to Sweden and posted reward posters and talked with maids and hotel attendants in an attempt to find the cylinder – all to no avail and eventually he replaced the cylinder with another one. The gun was eventually sold after Locke’s death in the famous Locke auction, this time at Julia’s the gun realized $74,750. Also from the Sorrell Collection was a refinished cased Texas Paterson #5 revolver which was estimated at $125,000-$175,000, it sold for $161,000. Shortly before the auction a private individual contacted Julia’s about two excellent 1st Model Colt Dragoons and a baby Dragoon. The guns, essentially never used, were in absolutely extraordinary condition. Covered with years of caked on oil, the original case hardening and bluing could easily be seen beneath. The three guns offered individually had a combined presale estimate of $85,000 but sold for an incredible $254,150 – the most expensive of which was one of the Colt Dragoons which went out at $138,000; a new World Record for a First Model Colt Dragoon! Dealer-Collector Marty Lane bought all three of these special Colts and indicated that he would probably keep them in his personal collection due to their condition! A beautiful cased Colt presentation

Navy 1851 to G. H. Lamb, Esquire, 49th Regt. Was estimated at $8,000-$12,000 but brought far over top estimate at $18,400. a scarce Colt flute Army, estimated at $5,000-$8,000 brought $9,250. One of the areas that Julia’s has had tremendous continued success is with Civil War and particularly Confederate artifacts. This sale contained over $1 million worth of these types of artifacts, and some brought outstanding results. An exceptional U.S. Greene Carbine, estimated at $10,000-$15,000 was the subject of an intense bidding battle which ended up with a final selling price far over top estimate at $21,850. An extremely rare Confederate Columbus Armory carbine estimated at $85,000-$95,000 sold for a solid $86,250. Another war prize consisting of a carved Confederate Richmond rifle musket and bayonet captured at Fort Fisher by a Union soldier, it had been attractively and aesthetically carved boldly in the stock, “TAKEN AT FORT FISHER, JANUARY 15, 1865”. The rarity of the musket with the attractive embellished inscription drove the final bid price far above the high estimate of $15,000 to end up at $21,850. Over the past five years, the Julia auction company has handled some of the finest Confederate flags sold at auction and a few years back set the World’s Record for the most expensive battle flag ever sold at auction. At this auction, they broke their previously established record with an outstanding early 1863 Army of Northern Virginia battle flag of the 23rd Georgia Infantry, estimated at $100,000- $200,000, it finally sold well above mid-estimate at $161,000. Another attractive and rare late addition to the auction was a Confederate 1st National presentation flag of the Putnam Light Infantry of Georgia. The flag had descended through the same family since the war and it carried a $25,000-$50,000 estimate and finally sold for a solid $43,125. Another very graphic and attractive Union flag with a Tiffany & Company 34-star U.S. National color of the famous New York battery that fought at Gettysburg. This historic flag which was nicely display was estimated at $25,000-$40,000 and brought just a tad above the high estimate at $40,250. A Confederate 1st Model Griswold sold for $27,600 and a photograph album filled with nearly 100 cabinet views of various generals and officers was offered with a presale estimate of $25,000-$30,000 and sold above high estimate at $34,000. In 1863 the Union captured the Confederate Fort Hudson and at the surrender Union troops lined up opposite Confederate troops as they surrendered their arms. A documented historical story about the surrender speaks of many of the Confederate and Union soldiers trading their canteens; the Union men giving up their tin, manufactured canteens for Confederate handmade wooden canteens. This auction featured two examples of these captured canteens, both from two different consignors. The first was an absolutely stunning example with extraordinary and artistic carving documenting the acquisition with a bold spread-winged attractive American eagle. Considered to be one of the finest carved wooden canteens ever offered at auction, it was estimated at $6,500-$8,500 and finally sold for $9,200. The other canteen also brought a strong price and well above high estimate at $7,475. When Robert E. Lee and his troops entered the state of Maryland, whose many citizens sympathized with the South, he distributed broadsides announcing the fact that the rebel army would be traveling through the states. Only a few of these broadsides remain. This one, estimated at $2,000-$3,000 was the object of a prolonged and intensive bidding battle between two telephone bidders with the winning bidder finally succeeding but only after almost tripling the high estimate at $7,475. Brigadier General LaFayette Baker was the first head of the Secret Service under the administration of Abraham Lincoln and it was he who was in charge of the attempted capture of John Wilkes Booth. Baker died a mysterious death later and it was determined that he died of poisoning amidst controversial speculation that perhaps his assassination might have been at the hands of some government officials wishing to silence him about some matter (shades of J.F.K. assassination). His attractive, Civil War presentation inscribed sword was offered here and sold for a final price of $31,600. An exceedingly rare U. S. Model 1840 presentation artillery officer’s Ames saber with a presentation to Major General Robert C. Buchanan, U.S. Army, carried a presale estimate of $12,000-$15,000 and finally sold far above high estimate at $23,000. An outstanding offering of Colt single actions included a spectacular early Colt civilian single-action Army revolver. The gun estimated at $40,000-$60,000 brought nearly mid estimate at $49,000 and a rare antique, engraved Colt sheriff’s model sold for $34,500. An outstanding cased single-action Army revolver in caliber 45 boxer short was estimated at $6,000-$10,000 and went far above high estimate at $17,250. A single action pre-war Colt Army .38 caliber in original cardboard box was estimated at $6,000-$10,000 and sold for a strong $10,925. Another pre-war example in 45 caliber estimated at $10,000-$12,000 brought $11,500. Frank Hamer is perhaps one of the most famous of the Texas Rangers to ever live and a year ago Julia’s sold an attractive engraved Colt single action once belonging to Hamer for an extraordinary $178,000! This auction included a Frank Hamer used Colt 45 but a standard model without the attractive engraving and silver plating. Estimated at $15,000-$25,000, this example brought $17,250. A martially marked Colt single-action Army cavalry revolver in very good condition with military inspector mark sold for twice the high estimate of $9,000 at $18,400. an attractive Colt engraved & plated lightning sheriff’s model DA was in outstanding condition and estimated at $3,500-$6,500. This beautiful example of a Colt product, in outstanding condition, stimulated a prolonged bidding battle with the winning bidder finally succeeding at 3-1/2 times high estimate of $6,500 when it sold for $21,500. Over the past years, the Julia firm has offered some outstanding cartridge boards. This sale included perhaps one of the rarest of all cartridge boards, the ultra-rare, Union Metallic Cartridge Company cartridge board for “Black Box” ammo. This example was supposedly one of only a couple known to exist and brought a final bid price of $28,750. A rare Winchester cartridge board, Model 1879 formerly in the famous Eldon Owens Collection and estimated at $22,500-$28,500, sold for $30,475. Also included in the second session was the collection of the Dr. James Goforth Collection of Winchester rifles. This Texas collection, together with other consigned Winchester rifles represented the finest offering of Winchester rifles to come to auction since the famous Eldon Owens auction that Julia’s conducted 2-1/2 years earlier. A rare, deluxe engraved Winchester Model 86 rifle with spectacular carved wood, sold for $51,750. The prize of the collection however was a very rare engraved and gold inlaid deluxe Winchester Model 86 caliber 45-70. Gold inlaid Winchesters are extremely rare; this one inscribed to “GEORGE W. LARUE, 1895”. Interestingly enough this was the great uncle of Julia’s chief firearms consultant, J.R. LaRue. This spectacular example, carrying a presale estimate of $50,000-$100,000 did not fail to please. A prolonged bidding battle resulted in a final sale price of $92,000. A beautiful deluxe Winchester Model 86 engraved was estimated at $30,000-$45,000 and sold for a final price of $46,000. Another rare special-order engraved Winchester Model 86 takedown, in desirable 45-70 caliber was estimated at $15,000- $25,000 and finally sold well above high estimate at $29,900. An engraved Winchester Model 86 takedown lever action in caliber 33, also estimated at $17,500 -$27,500 sold for a final price of $31,600. a spectacular John Ulrich engraved gold and nickel Winchester Model 73 saddle ring carbine sold for $97,750 and a nice engraved Winchester Model 66 of 44 center fire rifle estimated at $9,000-$12,000 sold for far above high estimate at $19,550. A fabulous lot of memorabilia once belonging to Johnny Baker was offered. Johnny Baker, the foster son of Buffalo Bill Cody was a trick shooter and rider in the renowned Wild West Extravaganza Show. This lot consisted of various pictures of Baker, one of Annie Oakley and various other notables of the Buffalo Bill Cody Wild West Show. Also included was his Winchester 73 lever action and two spectacular carved mother of pearl buffalo heads; one mounted in a shooting medal the other buffalo head mounted in a belt buckle. The entire lot sold for a very respectable $44,850. A spectacular deluxe engraved gold and nickel Winchester Model 94, purchased by Dr. Goforth from the Eldon Owens Estate auction sold well above low estimate at $51,750. Included in the second session was the Bullard collection of Dr. Glen Marsh. Marsh’s collection of rare Bullard long rifles was the largest offering of Bullard rifles ever offered at public auction and strong enthusiastic bidding took place throughout the entire offering. A deluxe, special order Bullard large frame, lever action in caliber 45-70 in outstanding condition, estimated at $10,000-$15,000 went out just a tad above high estimate at $15,500. One of Dr. Marsh’s favorite Bullards was a rare, early production, special order large frame Bullard in caliber 50-15. It sold well above the estimate of $10,000-$15,000 at $16,100. Also a rare, special order Bullard caliber 50-115 in excellent condition estimated at $10,000-$15,000 went out well above high estimate at $18,400. The most expensive of the Bullards offered was a rare Bullard Deluxe Schutzen-style single shot target rifle that carried a presale estimate of $7,500-$12,500 and brought nearly double the high estimate at $22,425. A beautiful factory-engraved Model 1853 Sharps sporting rifle estimated at $20,000-$30,000 brought $24,700. Near the end of Session II, a small but select grouping of Indian artifacts was offered. Included was an extremely rare and extraordinary classic Saltillo serape, once owned by Libby & George Armstrong Custer. The blanket, referred to in Libby’s book and also the subject of a short note to one of her nieces later in life, carried a strong presale estimate of $35,000-$45,000 but blew far over the high estimate, in fact almost double the high estimate at $86,250. A Cochiti effigy pottery figure holding an olla came from the William Hancock Collection, who passed away in 1937. This unusual Indian pottery piece estimated at $2,000-$2,500 was greatly competed for and sold for $13,800 – more than 5 times the high estimate! The very last objects in Session II were a group of rare Strong cannons. One of the larger Strong cannons on a cast iron frame was estimated at $7,500-$12,500 and went out far above high estimate at $17,250.

Session III also started with a bang (no pun intended) with the offering of D. G. Edwards’ Springfield military rifles. This collection, together with other 20th century military long arms including some very rare examples such as the Springfield Armory Model 1903 rod bayonet. One of the more desirable of 20th martial long arms, this outstanding example was estimated at a strong $30,000-$40,000 but blew past the high estimate to reach $52,325. Another WWII military icon is the Springfield Armory Model 1903 Mark I with the Pedersen device. There were two Pedersen devices offered in this auction. The first, estimated at $10,000-$20,000 finally realized $18,400, the second (the Pedersen device only) estimated at $4,000-$10,000, it realized $12,650. a Springfield Model 1903 A1 National Match USMC sniper rifle was estimated at $4,500-$8,500 and sold above high estimate at $8,970. Some outstanding 20th century military handguns were also offered. The most prestigious of all was a rare, cased, factory-engraved presentation Colt semi-auto 45ACP. Engraved and embellished with gold and presented to Governor E. Lee Trinkle of Virginia by Governor John H. Trumbull of Connecticut, it carried a strong presale estimate of $25,000-$40,000 but after a long, heated bidding battle, it went out far above high estimate at $55,200. A rare Singer Model 1911 A1 45ACP, because it was refinished, was estimated at $10,000-$20,000 but still sold right at high estimate at $20,000. A number of Colt ACP’s were offered, all bringing strong prices such as the early Colt Model 1911 45ACP in outstanding condition, it carried a presale estimate of $4,250-$7,250 but sold far above high estimate at $10,350. Lot 1660 was a recently discovered rare, silver & gold plated, inscribed Colt pre-Woodsman semi-auto pistol. The pistol inscribed, “YACHT/UNITED STATES” was part of an arsenal of firearms put together and carried aboard Edward H. R. Green’s yacht, the “United States”. Green’s mother, the famous Hetty Green (known as the “Witch of Wall Street”), was at one time, the richest woman in the world. Hetty Green, a financial genius who refused to spend a penny unnecessarily, eventually died passing along her extraordinary wealth to her son Edward. Some years back, the entire arsenal of silver and gold plated from the Yacht “United States” was sold as a collection to the noted collector Eldon Owens. It was known that this Woodsman should have bee part of the arsenal, but it was never discovered. When Mr. Owens passed away, he willed the entire collection to the NRA Museum where it now resides. When word of the discovery of this final gun of the arsenal was corresponded to the NRA by Julia, the museum expressed interest but was lacking funds to buy acquisitions. If purchased, Julia offered to give them a prolonged schedule of payment period, to allow them ample time to solicit money from donors for this important addition to this museum. The final sale price was $5,175. During the Second World War, the Allies air dropped thousands of “Liberator” pistols in Nazi held countries. These single-shot 45 caliber, stamped out pistols were the original disposable gun, meant only to be used a couple of times. This sale included one with a presale normal estimate of $1,250-$2,400 but it flew to over twice the high estimate at $5,175. The most unusual & interesting WWII military lot was consigned to Julia, having at one time been formed by wealthy Texas Amon Giles Carter, Sr. After WWII Carter, a great collector, contacted various prominent generals and admirals of the war and offered to exchange a Stetson hat for one of their old hats used during the war. He also asked that they might inscribe their hat offered. The collection included hats from Generals Eisenhower, Nimitz, Wainwright, Doolittle, and others. This unusual collection was estimated at $38,000-$45,000, but was the result of tremendous interest with various live, in-house bidders and 12 phones, all operating simultaneously. After the smoke cleared, the hats sold for far above high estimate at $103,350. A small select group of Nazi uniforms including an important large lot of uniforms and ephemera belonging to General Dr. Karl Mauss of the 7th Panzer Division. A renowned German general who was highly esteemed not only for his success but by his men for being an “in the trenches” commander. Mauss was one of only 27 German officers to be honored with the coveted recognition of the Knight’s Cross, oak leaves, swords & diamonds. This grouping included a replica of this most important German decoration. The entire collection was estimated at $35,000-$55,000 and sold for a final bid price of $$37,125. Another area which Julia’s has excelled in over the past few years is high-grade shotguns. This sale included another extraordinary offering of shotguns such as the fabulous cased pair of Holland & Holland royal ejector, double barrel 20-gauges that sold for $60,950. A Boss, best quality 12-gauge sold for $31,600. A cased Holland & Holland Badminton pigeon gun, double barrel shotgun #2 Model 12-gauge was estimated at $10,000-$15,000 and sold for $16,675. A cased pair of Stephen Grant & Sons 12-gauge shotguns estimated at $12,500-$17,500 brought almost high estimate at $17,250. A beautiful Francotte deluxe, double-barrel 20 gauge estimated at $15,000-$20,000 sold above high estimate for $21,850. A scarce Parker AAHE 20 gauge brought $34,500 and a scarce Parker CHE, estimated at $12,500-$17,500 brought nearly double high estimate at $29,900. A Parker DHE sold right at mid estimate at $17,250 and a fine engraved Winchester Model 21 28 gauge sold at $20,700. A scarce Westley Richards OVUNDO Model drop lock O/U 12 gauge shotgun, estimated at $20,000-$30,000 sold at $22,425. A Parker CHE 10 gauge realized $19,550, far above the high estimate of $15,000. A beautiful and rare Fox DE special grade double barrel 12 gauge shotgun brought $24,725. A Parker DH grade double barrel shotgun, upgraded by the famed Angelo Bee replete with exquisite engraving and gold inlays had a presale estimate of $8,000-$12,500 which the bidders paid no attention to when they paid $18,400. A cased Perazzi custom engraved four-barrel skeet set, 12, 20, 28 gauge & 410 carried a presale estimate of $12,500-$17,500 but blew far past the high estimate to $29,500 and a cased R. B. Rodda double rifle, 16 bore brought a presale estimate of $5,000-$8,000 also did well at $14,375, nearly double the high estimate.

This sale, together with Julia’s spring sale, brings their total yearly gross of high-quality firearms sales to and amazing $17.3 million; grossing far more than any two firearms auctions ever conducted by any auction firm in the world. More details of this outstanding auction can be viewed on Julia’s website at www.juliaauctions.com. Upcoming auctions at Julia’s includes an outstanding toy & doll auction on Saturday, November 11th and an important glass & lamp auction including an extraordinary collection of miniature lamps, tiffany lamps and high quality art glass to be held December 1st & 2nd. For more details or to consign, contact James D. Julia Auctioneers, PO Box 830, Fairfield, ME 04937 or call at (207) 453-7125.

Fairfield, Maine, June 16 & 17, 2006. Once again the firm of James D. Julia, Inc. proved that quality merchandise combined with quality marketing and promotion equals quality results. “Remove one piece of that equation,” stated Sales Coordinator Dudley Browne, “and you have just another auction.” Julia’s recent fine lamp & glass auction was not just another auction. Outstanding collections and fresh discoveries coupled with a world class marketing program enticed and attracted a plethora of buyers from across the country and around the globe. Julia’s blew the doors off with outstanding results, including some new World Auction Records. Offered was a wide variety of exceptional art glass and lighting including Tiffany, Mt. Washington, Steuben, as well as a fine array of French cameo glass and rare pottery. Consisting of over 1,100 lots gathered from various collections and estates from across North America, the two-day gross topped $2.3 Million.

Most impressive was a dazzling and delicate Quezal Jack in the Pulpit vase with wonderful green pulled feather design extending to its rich gold iridescent stretched flower. Backed with a swirling border of green and white with hints of silver, blue, and pink throughout, it finished up amid applause reaching a record $36,800, considerably above its $3,000/5,000 estimate.

Other highlights included a Tiffany Studios poppy table lamp with heavily mottled and striated greens, oranges, and yellows that brought $66,125, within a pre-auction estimate of $60,000/80,000. A gorgeous leaded Tiffany daffodil table lamp depicting a field of flowers among a soft blue and opalescent sky background sold for $48,875 against a $30,000/50,000 estimate. An interesting Tiffany table lamp with a bell-shaped lotus flower shade constructed of hundreds of geometric panels gently fading from rich green to creamy white sold for $37,375, exceeding expectations of $30,000/35,000. A spectacular Tiffany dogwood lamp with wonderful confetti glass serving as a background to the gorgeous pink and white dogwood flowers brought $37,950 against a $30,000/40,000 estimate. Other examples included a rare and unusual Tiffany dragonfly lamp with a simple butterscotch striated glass background accented by seven downward facing dragonflies. This impressive lamp flew to $43,700 versus a presale estimate of $35,000/55,000. One of the few bargains of the day was a Tiffany swirling leaf and vine hanger with rich green geometric panels above and below. Fresh to the market, having been in the same family since 1929, it was a steal at $23,000, just shy of its $25,000/35,000 estimate.

Other Tiffany lamps in the unleaded variety included a wonderful turtleback desk lamp. Supported by a bronze jeweled foot, impressed with a stylized leaf design, the twin turtleback shade that included the original (and almost never present) mottled white interior reflector panels sold for $20,700, above its $12,000/15,000 estimate. A three-light tulip lamp with Tiffany Favrile diamond-quilted, gold iridescent shades with red highlights sold for $15,525 exceeding its presale estimate. One local bidder in attendance was happy to have bought the one piece he came for, a Tiffany counterbalance desk lamp. It featured a beautiful Favrile King Tut shade with platinum iridescence, supported by a lovely richly brown patinated base. Intent on not leaving without it, the bidding reached $13,800 within its $12,000/15,000 estimate.

Not holding the monopoly on fine lamps, the fine offering of Tiffany lamps was complemented by examples by other renowned makers. An extremely scarce Pairpoint puffy begonia table lamp consisting of four large begonias in full bloom with luminous tones of rose, russet, orange, and yellow came to the block from the collection of Ed & Sheila Malakoff with an estimate of $45,000/55,000. Thrilling collectors with this rare opportunity, bids mounted to a final price of $51,750.

Other lighting included a multihued Galle cameo table lamp with foliage design in various reds over an amber background. It exceeded expectations of $6,000/9,000 to sell for $10,925. A Daum Nancy chandelier with colorful grape and leaf pattern brought $7,475, more than tripling its $2,000/3,000 estimate.

An important museum quality Galle vase with detailed cameo polar bears in an arctic setting on a clear aquamarine background caught the eye of many a bidder, ultimately selling for $34,500 within an estimate of $30,000/40,000. Other Galle included a fabulous marquetry vase with inlaid wheel-carved flowers of red and cream. Set against an amber background with pulled lines for a stem and grass effect, it sold for $26,450 against an estimate of $25,000/30,000.

Though Galle is more renowned for their cameo glass than their furniture, an outstanding set of four Galle nesting tables with beautifully inlaid marquetry tops depicting scenes of the four seasons saw active bidding. It went to a bidder looking to complete his Galle collection. Ignoring the $3,000/5,000 estimate, the set sold for $25,875.

English cameo glass included a rare signed Webb window vase, acid etched white over gray on a green background with transparent window decoration on three sides. It sold above its presale estimate of $10,000/15,000 to a solid $28,750.

Likewise receiving much attention was a marvelous selection of Daum. A museum quality padded and wheel-carved crocus flower vase in purple, burnt red, and yellow with polished deep olive acid etched brought $28,750, exceeding a presale estimate of $18,000/22,000. A highly detailed, acid etched and enameled Daum Nancy frosted vase fading to green featured a flock of cranes flying above a swamp. Expected to draw $12,000/15,000 it soared to $24,725. Another of the many surprises of the day was a monumental 22” Daum vase with purple enameled irises shown at various stages of growth. Highlighted by cameo and gold enamel grasshoppers among the art nouveau foliage design, it sold for a show stopping $34,500 versus an estimate of $9,000/12,000. An exquisite tri-fold Daum Nancy Prairie vase with landscape design of a soft pink sky and swaying green grass that was enameled with flowers and strawberries sold for $20,125, surpassing its presale estimate of $17,000/20,000. A favorite of Browne’s was a Daum Nancy acid etched and enameled springtime scenic vase in soft yellows and greens that sold for $13,225 against a $7,000/10,000 estimate.

Another surprise was a beautiful Le Verre Francais vase with stylized swan decoration over a strong yellow and orange mottled background that was completed by two applied lavender handles. It sold for $9,487, over five times its estimate of $1,800/2,200.

There was exceptional vases and art glass throughout the two-day event, showcasing a grand diversity of different styles and forms. Also included were a number of rare and important Steuben glass pieces. Certainly a star of the show was a rare red Aurene example with gold iridescent leaf and vine decoration. Very difficult to find in this color, it went beyond its $20,000/30,000 estimate to bring $33,350. Other Steuben Aurene pieces included a powder blue example with gold iridescent pulled and hooked feather decoration that sold for $14,375 (est. $2,000/3,000) and a classic Egyptian form gold Aurene vase with platinum and green peacock feather decoration that brought $8,050 (est. $5,000/7,000). A fabulous Steuben Moss Agate vase with rolled rim and outrageous mottled earthen hues was also well-received, bringing $13,800 against an estimate of $6,000/8,000.

One of the standards among glass collectors but in no way ordinary is Lalique. And among these, the more desirable are the earlier incarnations signed by the founder R. Lalique. Julia’s auction offered numerous examples including an extremely rare and outstanding deep ruby red Perruches vase with allover pattern of parakeets perched on limbs. With provenance to Louis H. Chalif, a Russian ballet master who came to the United States in 1904 and founded the Chalif Normal School of Dance in Manhattan, the exquisite piece was a popular choice with phone bidders and soared past its $10,000/15,000 estimate to $25,875. An opalescent Ceylan vase with eight detailed parakeets perched around the perimeter sold for $9,200 against an estimate of $4,000/6,000 and a classic R. Lalique clear glass vase encircled with nude male archers taking aim at larger than life birds above hit its mark, selling for $8,050 versus a $4,500/5,500 estimate.

The diversity of the auction continued to impress, and included a rare Quezal basket decorated with green and white pulled feather design with a gold iridescent chain circling its pinched lip. It sold beyond its $2,000/3,000 estimate for $7,187.

The strength of Tiffany in the marketplace was also evident with a 15” Tiffany Studios large flower form vase featuring green pulled feather design extending the entire length of the stem, expanding out to broad leaves that enveloped the delicate bowl. This outstanding example sold for $13,800 against an estimate of $7,000/10,000. A Tiffany Studios Cypriot vase with a blocky pulled design against a bright gold iridescent background brought $11,500, surpassing its $6,000/8,000 estimate.

In addition to the fine glass was a fantastic collection of rare Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre pottery. This magnificent and vibrant variety that wasn’t a huge commercial success in the 1920s when it was produced, believed now to be ahead of its time. The pottery with its superb artistry with such depth is so rare; the only pieces that survived were the select few that actually found buyers before much of it was destroyed. It is said that the artist Daisy Makeig-Jones, was known to be somewhat eccentric. With the Great Depression and decline in prosperity also came a change in fashions and personnel at Wedgwood. Their new director was not particularly fond of Makeig-Jones’ Lustre work and asked her to retire. She chose to ignore his request and continued working as though nothing had happened. Eventually a heated argument ensued and the artist ordered that every Fairyland Lustre in her studio be destroyed. Today its exceptional rarity along with its most intricate patterns and brilliant glazes make them highly sought after. Despite this pottery’s considerable rarity, Julia’s has attracted a number of these pieces for auction in recent years, some of which Julia’s has sold for World Record Prices. Among the selection was a Fairyland Lustre vase in the Candlemas pattern. It featured four decorated panels showing tall white candles with a crowned queen’s head in the place of the flame, separated by blue lustre bands decorated with a series of fairies. It exceeded expectations of $11,000/15,000 to sell for $20,125. A brilliant multihued Fairyland Lustre footed vase picturing playful imps on a bridge, being watched by two fiendish goblins exceeded its $12,000/15,000 estimate, bringing $16,675. A large footed punchbowl in the Woodland Bridge pattern, decorated inside and out and depicting an enchanting forest scene of poplars, anachronistic architecture and secreted woodland elves finished up at $14,375 against expectations of $12,000/15,000.

Part of a rare and important collection of fine Mt. Washington Victorian art glass, a Royal Flemish two-handled vase with Egyptian travelers passing the Great Pyramids stood out. Carrying a presale estimate of $20,000/25,000, it sold for $28,175. Also quite striking was a soft pink Burmese two-handled covered jar delicately fading to yellow and decorated with trailing leaves and vines. Emphasized by a delightful verse by Charles Dickens, it sold for $8,912 against a $6,500/7,500 estimate. An elegant enameled Mt. Washington Peach Blow vase decorated in the Queen’s pattern of daisies both in full bloom and maturing buds brought $9,775, surpassing its $6,000/7,500 pre-auction estimate while a Burmese Queen’s pattern ovoid vase sold for $7,187.

For a more contemporary flavor was a quality selection of modern art glass, highlighted by an unusual studio art glass bowl by Toots Zynsky. Constructed of hundreds, if not thousands of hair like glass threads of rich blue, orange, and black, it brought $7,475 versus a pre-auction estimate of $5,000/7,000. A duo of Persian groups by American artist Dale Chihuly consisting of imaginative freeform plates, bowls, and vases each with their own artistic flair brought within their respective estimates to sell for $4,887 apiece.

Helping to round out the sale and worthy of mention were numerous contemporary jewelry pieces including a 14kt white gold necklace with two rows of diamonds circling the neck and 29 vertical bars of diamonds in the center. With nearly 400 baguettes, this stunning piece brought $10,925, within its $10,000/12,000 estimate. A Georg Jensen silver and mother of pearl necklace with suspended bellflower was a must have, bringing $8,912 against an estimate of $1,000/1,500.

Julia's next lamp & glass auction will take place in November. Other upcoming Julia auctions include their annual antiques and fine arts auction extravaganza at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine, taking place August 22-24, a rare antique firearms & military memorabilia auction in October, as well as an antique toy & doll auction also in November. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: jjulia@juliaauctions.com.

Fairfield, Maine-May 20, 2006. Jim Julia has instilled his various division heads with the philosophy quality goods plus quality effort plus quality promotion equals quality results and indeed this formula has continued to prove extremely successful for both the Julia auction firm and its consignors. Last year the company did $28 Million in sales, far ahead of their original anticipations. This year all of the sales to date have done in excess of their expectations. In fact, no firearms auction company in the world has ever conducted a $9 Million auction. In March Julia’s completed their third firearms auction in the $9 Million range. The toy & doll division at Julia’s has also come to the forefront recently. Last year they handled the Bob & Jackie Stewart Collection of rare cast iron toys which nearly doubled the presale estimate at $1.6 million. The auction itself grossed $2.5 million dollars and included over 36 world auction records. This year’s spring toy & doll sale included a highly select grouping of quality toys with rarity and condition being key factors. Included were a number of items fresh from estates and old time collections. The total low estimate of items sold was $779,567 and the final selling price (including the 15% buyer’s premium) was $1,033,551, or approximately 33% above low estimate. A number of fine items came from the collection of Carter Reese of Pennsylvania. Mr. Reese, an incurable collector with an insatiable appetite for quality items whether they be toys, Americana, folk art, etc., filled multiple buildings with his collections and recently thought that he would sell a few things to simply make room for more. Many of the select items from his massive collection did very well. A clockwork Hubley amusement park ride was estimated at $25,000/45,000. This indeed was a rare item and the most recent example sold at public auction for about $13,000 only three years ago. This example, however, sold for $31,625.

A wonderful “Tally Ho” by Carpenter depicting a team of four horses, pulling a lively group of revelers atop a large open carriage is considered by many to be the greatest cast iron horse drawn toy. This example, exhibiting some minor paint restoration brought $31,625 versus a presale estimate of $20,000/40,000.

Other highlights from the collection included a procession of rare Hubley Brakes. Offering the two-, three-, and four-seat varieties, these open-air horse drawn carriages with individually cast riders received much attention. The rare four-seat Brake brought $11,500 while a two-seat version sold for $7,590. Each brought within their respective estimates while an extended three-seat version was a bargain at $5,060.

Other horse drawn toys worthy of mention, though not of the Reese collection was a tremendous all-original large Hubley bandwagon that descended from the original owner. Drawn by four white plumed horses, the colorful coach with driver and eight musicians seated behind him paraded past its presale estimate of $12,000/16,000 to $20,700.

Despite a languishing cast iron automotive market a rare Hubley Packard from the Reese collection still managed to reach a strong price. With sweeping lines and classic styling, this outstanding (albeit restored) vehicle from the golden age of automobiles brought $12,075, far surpassing an estimate of $8,000/10,000.

A small horse drawn Wilkins trolley marked “Consolidated Street R.R. #372” saw active bidding, selling above its $1,400/1,800 estimate for $3,105. And a rare Kenton horse drawn cement wagon from the Reese collection showing strong paint brought $2,415 against expectations of $500/700.

One of the toys some considered to be a bargain of the day was an impressive, extremely rare German windup racing motorcycle by Fischer. It depicted a delightful mustachioed rider who appears to be riding so fast, he’s almost falling off the back. Fresh from a European estate, it was accompanied by the only original box known to exist. It sold to a most ecstatic Kirk White of Florida, who participated via telephone in Saturday’s auction. Bringing $21,275 against expectations of $20,000/30,000, White was quoted afterward as saying, “I feel I got a bargain at that price. I have the catalog photo taped to my fridge in anticipation of its arrival. I saw this toy years ago, but this is the only one I’ve seen with its original box. I’m thrilled!”

Included along with Reese’s collection and other toys was a small but very select grouping of mechanical banks that, according to Julia’s, was the finest condition grouping of mechanical banks they had ever had. The collection was actually that of one of Julia’s chief toy & doll consultants Jay & Connie Lowe. Over the years the Lowe’s had set aside the finest mechanical banks that they had the opportunity to buy. Recently Jay stated that a friend had offered him $180,000 and then later offered him $190,000 for the grouping of 12 banks, which was a significant profit over what they had originally bought the banks for. However, after thinking about it, Jay decided that he had better go to auction instead. First of all, a number of friends had coveted the banks and there was no way to sell one or all of the banks to any one person without offending other people, so by offering them at auction it afforded everyone a chance to compete. Secondly, in the past few years it was obvious that exceptional quality items have brought very strong prices at Julia’s and he just thought that he might do a little better at auction. The end results were far more than what he and Connie had anticipated. At $265,070, or $75,000 above what he was considering selling them for, both he and his wife were elated. Connie and Jay had originally justified selling the banks for the new addition they were putting on their house, but they had done so much better than what they had anticipated that a significant portion of their profit will be donated to an orphanage in Kazakhstan where they have recently adopted three lovely Kazakhstan children.

Brimming with seldom-offered examples, the collection included an incredible Professor Pug Frog mechanical bank, formerly of the Norman Perry Collection. This much sought after bank included its original clockwork mechanism and all original paint. It whizzed past its $25,000/45,000 pre-auction estimate to a record $51,750. Formerly of the Lloyd Ralston Collection, an absolutely outstanding Chief Big Moon Bank with the desirable red base featured a squaw sitting outside a teepee holding a fish as a large frog emerges from the nearby pond. One would be hard pressed to find one in better condition. Consequently, it brought a new World Auction record of $33,350, also exceeding its $15,000/25,000 pre-auction estimate.

A one-time resident of the Norman Perry Collection was a rare Calamity bank featuring early football players sacking the advancing quarterback. This much sought after bank with sophisticated action brought $40,250 against a pre-auction estimate of 30,000/50,000. An outstanding Stevens Dentist bank depicting a somewhat gruesome tooth extraction combined lively action, comical characters, and exceptional original paint. Julia’s sold it for $25,875 above its $20,000/25,000 presale estimate. And a rare Bread Winners bank brought $33,350 (est. 30,000/45,000).

Other highlights in the collection included a sensational Magician Bank, formerly of the Lloyd Ralston Collection. It retained wonderful paint and considerable flocking on the steps, which is typically almost entirely worn off. This example conjured $18,400, just above its $14,000/18,000 presale estimate. And an outstanding Clown on Globe bank, despite some fading, was still one of the strongest examples of paint retention on this bank known to exist. It sold for $11,500 versus an estimate of $10,000/20,000.

Other mechanical banks in addition to this collection included a scarce Circus bank from the Reese collection. Despite some condition issues, it found a buyer at $5,750, exceeding its $3,500/4,500 estimate. A Darktown Battery bank fresh from a Massachusetts attic was in better than average condition and brought $5,865, more than doubling its estimate of $2,000/3,000.

Julia’s auction continued the grand diversity of their auction with other quality pieces including a variety o