Fairfield, Maine, November 21 & 22, 2008. – James D. Julia’s Fall Lamp & Glass Auction with its plethora of rare lamps, exquisite glass and choice mini lamps saw a good deal of activity and realized many strong prices in every one of the categories they offered. Dudley Browne, head of Julia’s glass & lamp division said, “With the current volatility of the stock market, investment in quality tangible assets such as rare glass and lamps is becoming increasingly enticing. The collectibles market is still definitely vibrant!”

The two-day sale totaling approximately 800 lots featured a stunning array of glass and lighting treasures assembled from important collections and estates from across North America. Included was a marvelous selection of Tiffany glass, lamps and desk accessories, fine art glass, French Cameo, and Victorian glass to name a few. The total low estimate of all items sold was $1,357,600, which sold for approximately $1.7 Million (nearly 20% over low estimate). The many highlights included the company’s largest offering of lamps to date. Numbering over 150 examples, the grand selection of Tiffany included a fabulous 18” tulip border table lamp with seldom seen red tulips with broad stems and leaves and two lines of rippled amber geometric panels. Fresh from a Massachusetts home, it sold for 109,250 against a presale estimate of $70,000-100,000. A Tiffany Studios Chinese Tyler table lamp consisting of a geometric pattern over a half moon band, all in dichroic glass that would change color when lit sold for $41,400, mid-way through its $35,000-45,000 estimate. A Tiffany lemon leaf table lamp with a band of swirling leaves brought $17,250, exceeding its estimate of $12,500-15,000. The large selection of Tiffany leaded lamps also included a Pomegranate table lamp with a shade done in a background of green geometric panels highlighted by a band of fiery yellow pomegranates, all resting on a bronze Grecian urn base. This exceptional lamp brought $16,100 while a Tiffany acorn table lamp with excellent patina sold for $17,250, each within their $15,000-20,000 estimates.

Other rarities included an outrageous Tiffany Studios lily and prism chandelier suspended from a Moorish pierced bronze dome finished with an iridescent stalactite shade. Expected to sell for $30,000-35,000, it changed hands for $32,775. And a rare Tiffany counterbalance desk lamp with a lovely blue damascene shade suspended from a naturalistic bronze base and completed by a turtleback counterweight sold for $32,775 against expectations of $30,000-35,000. A most unusual and exceedingly rare lamp, formerly of the Howard Booher, Sr. collection, known as the Tiffany Fireball, was a good trade. One of only two known to exist it consisted of a globular shade ablaze with red, orange, and yellow flames licking the sides of a variegated green and amber body. When all was said and done, this stunning piece sold for $48,875.

While the auctions continue to outperform Wall Street, there are still numerous buying opportunities with some great items going unsold. Julia’s posts a comprehensive list of its sales immediately after the auction soliciting client offers. Some great opportunities include a rare Tiffany Studios Nasturtium table lamp (est. $160,000-180,000), a fine Tiffany Studios curtain border floor lamp (est. $110,000-120-000), and a desirable Daum Nancy Spring Scene cameo vase (est. $8,000-12,000). Check their list of items available at www.jamesdjulia.com.

The selection continued with an array of Duffner & Kimberly leaded lamps including a beautiful peony lamp with bold red flowers below a sunny yellow background. This exquisite piece sold for $57,500 within its $50,000-75,000 estimate. A lively variation of a Duffner & Kimberly thistle leaded lamp with an intricate design of pointed leaves and vines forming the irregular border rim beneath a geometric pattern of mottled amber and green pendants brought $10,350 against a pre-auction estimate of $8,000-12,000.

Other lighting included a plethora of Pairpoint puffy examples, particularly an apple tree. This multi-colored example featured rich green leaves, pink blossoms, and green and red apples, further highlighted by a cluster of bumblebees and butterflies. Expected to sell for $25,000-35,000, it finished up at $32,200. This was joined by a closed top azalea puffy example that carried an estimate of $14,000-18,000 and sold for $17,250.

Other highlights included a Wilkinson table lamp with a border of realistic daffodils below a swirling geometric pattern of amber panels saw much action, selling for $11,500 against expectations of $7,000-10,000. A jeweled art deco table lamp with a sweeping array of prisms reminiscent of a waterfall cascading over a slender silver base sold for $6,900 (est. $3,000-4,000). And a brilliant Gorham leaded table lamp consisting of red poppies and variegated green leaves on a striated blue background sold for $47,150.

A selection of Handel included a variety of reverse decorated lamps such as a wonderful blue Chinese pheasant table lamp with outstanding depth and detail that sold for $27,600 exceeding its estimate of $15,000-20,000. A flock of Handel jungle bird lamps was highlighted by an example depicting two macaws resting among tropical foliage that sold for $15,812, surpassing expectations of $10,000-15,000. And an example showing two birds in flight over a black background sold for $12,650 against an estimate of $10,000-15,000. Other Handel included a Teroma chandelier with a globular body decorated with a gold iridescent interior featuring various birds among twisting trees. This piece sold for $10,925, exceeding its estimate of $5,000-7,000.

In addition to the lighting was an expansive selection of art glass including works by Tiffany, Steuben, Lalique, and others. Quezal included an exceptional bulbous vase with flaring rim and decorated with a gold pulled feather design that brought $8,050, just above its estimate of $7,000-8,000. A beautiful Quezal silver overlay vase with King Tut design with gold iridescence sold for $3,680, exceeding expectations of $1,500-2,500. The ever popular and forever elegant, Tiffany was represented by a gorgeous 16” Tiffany pastel candlestick with a pink foot and candle cup supporting a green stem that fades to blue. Believed to be the finest example the firm has seen in their 40+ years in the business, the candlestick surpassed its $2,500-3,500 estimate to sell for $6,612. Tiffany shades included a scarce reactive glass example with green and orange flame design over a smoky gray body that brought $4,025 over its $2,500-3,500 estimate. And a beautiful bell-shaped shade with translucent green pulled feather decoration more than doubled its $1,000-1,500 estimate to sell for $2,530. Tiffany was further represented by a leaded window depicting a fruit bowl flanked by two twisted columns draped in grapevines. Estimated for $15,000-20,000, it found a buyer at $16,100.

An assortment of Lalique was highlighted in part by a wonderful Gros Scarabees vase in clear glass with large scarab beetles covering the outside that reached the upper end of its $6,000-7,000 estimate to sell for $6,900. And a magnificent Archers vase with blue patination featuring an army of men aiming their bows and arrows toward the sky hit its target estimate of 5,000-6,000 to sell for $5,175.

And a select grouping of Steuben included a pair of Moss Agate torchieres in green, red, brown, and amber over twisted brass stands that sold for $12,650 against expectations of $5,000-7,000. Adding to the breadth of the sale was an ample offering of French Cameo glass by the most sought after names in the genre, but none fared as well as those by Daum Nancy. A magnificent and monumental 26” Daum swan vase with white birches and graceful swans around the outside is perhaps one of the largest of its type available. It flew past its $10,000-15,000 estimate to sell for $18,400. An exceptional Daum cameo egg shaped vase in an autumn motif with browning leaves and vines on a yellow background, enhanced with applied glass snails was another popular item. It sold within its $10,000-20,000 estimate for $10,925. A trio of Daum winter scene vases included a banjo vase with barren trees on a snowy ground beneath a flame orange sky that sold for $10,350 versus an $8,000-12,000 estimate. An acid etched and enameled Daum cameo vase decorated with red berries and green leaves on a mottled green and brown background sold for $8,050, above expectations of $6,000-8,000. And a Daum padded and wheel carved footed vase with orange poppies on a striated blue to green martele background sold for $9,200 against a presale estimate of $8,000-12,000.

Other examples of French cameo included a highly detailed Galle Rio de Janeiro vase with a tropical scene in rich russet tones that sold for $9,200 against an $8,000-10,000 estimate. Other Galle included a most interesting Verrerie Parlant vase depicting a brown bird amongst a chilly winter background. Expected to sell for $10,000-15,000, it sold for $10,925.

A fine offering of rare Victorian glassware added to the selection including a magnificent Royal Flemish covered jar with delicate handles and enameled images of winged cherubs in a battle between a griffin on the front and back. Seldom seen, this piece finished at $11,500 against a $10,000-15,000 estimate. And a plated Amberina salt shaker that shaded from a rich fuchsia to a golden amber brought $4,025, surpassing a $3,000-4,000 estimate.

Helping to round out the sale was a selection of jewelry and Italian enameled compacts from the Geraldine Gaba Estate of Scottsdale, Arizona. The large offering of compacts included several multi-piece lots and included a vast number of Italian enameled examples, every one of which exceeded their $500-700 estimates to fetch prices three and four times these amounts. Mrs. Gaba’s massive estate included an equally massive emerald ring weighing nearly 12 carats, which sold for $10,350 within its $10,000-12,000 estimate.

And a collection of fine mini lamps from a Mississippi estate was highlighted in part by a red and white Webb cameo example with floral decoration across its base and chimney. It sold for $8,050 versus an estimate of $4,000-6,000. Also included was a marvelous and exceedingly rare rainbow cut glass example that surpassed its $3,500-5,500 estimate to bring $9,775. Just in time for the holidays, a figural mini lamp in the form of Santa Claus brought $4,312 against an estimate of $2,500-4,500. And a superb glossy melon ribbed rainbow mini lamp, one of the finest examples available, sold for $4,600 within expectations of $4,000-6,000.

Julia's upcoming auctions include a fabulous antiques and fine art auction taking place February 5, 6, and 7 at Julia’s facilities in Fairfield, Maine that will feature over $2 Million worth of goods, an important firearms and military memorabilia auction in March, and a toy & doll auction in June. Julia’s next glass and lamp auction will also take place in June. 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@jamesdjulia.com.

Fairfield, Maine. November 20, 2008 - For over 40 years the firm of James D. Julia has been known for handling some of the finest quality collections with highly regarded finesse and tremendous success. Julia’s is also known for producing some of the best catalogs in the industry with quality photos and expert descriptions that go above and beyond enabling buyers to bid with greater confidence. Furthermore, Julia’s offers one of the most comprehensive marketing programs around and their results speak for themselves. The sale’s final gross was over $950,000, which yielded approximately 50% over the low estimate of items sold of approximately $637,000. In a time where many are shying away from an uncertain stock market, there is a greater interest in investing in tangible assets like quality antiques. As a result, the auction market is thriving while at the same time offering some marvelous opportunities for astute collectors who favor quality and condition.

Julia’s recent sale was highlighted in part by the Geraldine Gaba Estate of Scottsdale, Arizona. The late Mrs. Gaba’s superb collection of dollhouses and exquisite miniatures was one of the finest collections of its type to hit the market in many years. There had been a buzz about the estate among the collecting fraternity since the announcement of the auction. As a result, there was considerable anticipation about their offering that helped to make it such a special event. Mrs. Gaba’s Estate is to be sold over three separate auctions at Julia’s (her collections of fine Victorian furniture, artwork, and Historical Staffordshire are to be sold in February). This portion of the Gaba Estate alone grossed $316,250 against a pre-auction estimate of approximately $170,000, the proceeds of which are earmarked for charitable distribution to the American Cancer Society, the University of Arizona Medical School, and the Phoenix Zoo. Included were over 30 houses and room settings including Gottschalk, Hacker, homemade examples, as well as hundreds upon hundreds of top shelf miniature furniture pieces and accessories to fill these dwellings. Bidding was ferocious in house and through phone, absentee, and Internet bids.

Collectors were also delighted with over 60 individual and multi-piece lots consisting of the finest quality miniature accessories one could hope to find. These 19th Century Waltershausen furniture pieces offered in multi-piece lots included one lot consisting of a stunning sideboard with bone finials and incredibly delicate finish work, miniature desk, china cabinet, and other items that finished up at $3,737 against an estimate of $1,500-1,800. Another set including a Victorian sofa with red crushed velvet upholstery, charming parlor chairs, and ormolu brought $3,105 against expectations of $1,500-1,800. And a Gothic parlor set in blue velvet and a marble top table and other items beat out the same estimate to sell for $3,565.

Complete signed contemporary artisan parlor sets by Renee Isabelle with highly refined construction and floral decoration were also available and met with great enthusiasm. Isabelle’s incredibly detailed pieces are considered some of the finest available today. With intricate craftsmanship and artistry one wouldn’t expect, examples included a ten piece lot with two armoires, tables, demilune cabinet, and other items that changed hands at $3,737 (est. $1,000-1,500) and a seven piece lot including a marvelous lacquered Japanese design secretary, demilune sideboard, armoire, etc. that sold for $2,300 (est. $800-1,200).

Accessories to complement any advanced collector’s setting included many antique ormolu rarities such as a wonderful squirrel cage (sold $3,162), a revolving photo stand (sold $3,737) and a lot of six chandeliers (sold $3,565), each nearly tripling their respective estimates. Also up for bid were a few lots of rare silk dollhouse rugs from India and Eastern Europe that exhibit unbelievable detail and craftsmanship. Bidding was ferocious, with one of the lots hitting $2,530 versus expectations of $500-1,000. And to people the houses were various dollhouse dolls. Of particular interest was a selection of rare bisque European soldiers with their original accoutrements. A lot of two such soldiers with a miniature gilt fireplace brought $3,565 against an estimate of $1,200-1,500 while two separate los of four dolls apiece each sold for $3,450 against estimates of $1,500-1,800 and $1,000-1,500.

In the miniature real estate category were highly sought after examples including a gorgeous Mansard roof Dutch dollhouse with stone foundation and classic styling. This stunning abode sold for $8,625 against a $5,000-7,500 estimate. A fancy Hacker dollhouse with grand architectural features and a working elevator brought above its $3,500-5,000 estimate to sell for $6,900. And an exceedingly detailed “Mystery” house, so referred to as it is unknown who made these large houses with their textured facades, numerous rooms, and true to life features, was a good buy at $5,750, within expectations of $5,000-7,500.

This collection was joined by many fine dolls, rare toys, a wide variety of slot machines and other coin-op, quality advertising items including selections from the Phillip H. Morse Collection (vice chairman and co-owner of the Boston Red Sox), salesman samples, and much more.

A selection of dolls included a collection of five rare all-original Steiff dolls from a mammoth set featuring a horse drawn carriage included a black footman, coachman, stable worker, and riders. Having descended through the family of the original purchasers, this marked their first offering at public auction. Alas, the horse and carriage no longer exist after an unsuccessful attempt by the original owner to ride it down a hill. The dolls, though sold individually, will remain together having gone to a European collector bidding by telephone who bid a total of $24,150, ignoring estimates totaling $7,500-13,500. This instance proves once again that fresh to the market quality goods offered through a well-publicized auction is a recipe for success.

Other dolls included fine French and German characters. A very popular 15” BSW “Wendy” with blue glass eyes, captivating expression, and even her original box saw active bidding and ultimately stopped at $17,250 versus a $14,000-18,000 estimate. A favorite of this writer was an 18” Armand Marseille 231 known as “Fany”, the largest version this company produced. This delightful character with pouty features and nice modeling sold at the upper end of its $7,500-9,500 estimate for $9,200. A 12” Kestner 206 character with fully jointed composition body and a hint of a precocious smile melted a few hearts. Though small in size, the doll still did well, hitting $8,625 against an estimate of $7,500-9,500.

Desirable French dolls included a wonderful 14” Circle Dot Bru with a hint of a tongue, original kid body, and lots of charm that brought $11,500. Fashions included a marvelous 24” fully articulated wood bodied Jumeau fashion doll decked out in a gorgeous bridal gown and veil that sold for $6,900 within her $5,000-10,000 estimate.

A selection of rare toys included a version of Schoenhut milk wagon from the St. Clair Dairy Company (most likely from Illinois) that to date was the only one known. It set a new World Auction Record selling for $10,925, more than doubling its $4,500-6,500 estimate. An early clockwork Ives alligator with jointed body that would roll along in a lifelike fashion sold for $4,140 against a $1,500-2,500 estimate. And an Ives miniature railroad set with portions of its original box went to an internet bidder for $3,162 against a $1,750-2,200 estimate. A charming Austrian automaton of a rabbit in a head of cabbage who pokes his head in and out from the inside brought a strong $2,875 versus an estimate of $1,250-1,750.

Other groupings included a Western U.S. single owner collection of approximately 70 Lehmann tin windup toys, many of which retained their original boxes. These often quirky and always amusing German toys included several seldom seen examples as well as tried and true favorites, setting what is to believed to be several new World Auction Records. The showstopper was a popular Lehmann Autobus in wonderful condition with its original box that hit six times its $2,000-3,000 estimate to sell for a record $14,400. A scarce Lehmann Anxious Bride made for the French market with its original box labeled “La Fiancée Inquiete” was in outstanding condition. The cost for this rare opportunity was $7,200 over presale expectations of $2,000-3,000. A fanciful Lehmann Duo with its original box depicting a rooster pulling a two-wheeled egg cart with a little bunny enjoying the ride carried an estimate of $1,500-2,000 and sold for a record $6,325. A marvelous navy blue Lehmann Lila with its original box, perhaps one of the finest condition examples available also set a new record when it hit $7,200, surpassing its $3,500-5,500 estimate. A scarce Zulu friction toy in excellent condition of an ostrich pulling a two-wheeled cart surpassed expectations of $1,400-1,800 to sell for a record price of $5,750. And a scarce Lehmann Mensa three-wheeled windup delivery truck with its original box brought an astounding $7,800 versus a $1,250-2,200 estimate.

Coin-op included over 30 tabletop slots such as two rare Mills Baseball slot machines. One in fair original condition sold for $7,475 against a $4,000-6,000 estimate and a nicely restored example with the scarce embossed front surpassed its $5,500-7,500 estimate to land at $9,200. A nicely restored “Electricity is Life” shock machine standing over six feet with a fine oak case housing a dazzling papier-mâché dial and mechanism that emits up to a 55 volt shock to the brave soul willing to play the game. Having been on display in a doctor’s office in California for the last 30 years, it went to a bidder in attendance that paid $17,250 (est. $15,000-20,000). A rare Caille “A.C. Multi-Bell” slot machine with silver Art Deco styling and advanced mechanics (for the day) sold for $6,325, mid-way through its $5,500-7,500 estimate. A trio of figural slot machines with surrounds by Dick DeLong whose wood carvings serve as great working displays included a Mills War Eagle inside the chest of a fully decked Indian chief. It sold for $3,220, exceeding its estimate of $1,500-2,500. And a lot of three trade stimulators in as-is condition included a Mills Puritan Bell, Five Jacks, and a Dan-Dee fortune machine exceeded expectations of $1,250-1,750 to bring $2,415.

Music machines included a Regina 15” auto-changer in a phenomenal mahogany case featuring spiral columns, an intricate leaded glass front door, and a clock at the top. It descended through the family of the present consignor and sold for $35,075 against an estimate of $30,000-35,000. And of the exceedingly rare was an outstanding and elaborate coin-op Regina auto-changer music machine that would automatically change discs when one is completed. Believed to be one of only two known coin-op examples, it featured a bow front, barley twist side columns, and brass filigree castings housing a double comb mechanism. Estimated for $23,000-25,000, it went to a bidder in attendance for $25,875. And a marvelously restored Wurlitzer 1080 Colonial model jukebox sold for $10,350 against a $9,000-10,000 estimate.

The sale was rounded out by a medley of antique advertising and salesman samples. Included was a scarce early die-cut flange sign for Michelin tires that featured the popular mascot emblazoned on both sides. Ignoring its $800-1,200 estimate, it sold for $4,887. Soda advertising included a seldom seen version of the Coca-Cola leaded shade with the leaf border that sold for $6,900 versus an estimate of $5,000-6,000. A small collection of wooden Coca-Cola Kay displays included a lot of five (of a series of six) Kay Displays entitled “Work Refreshed” that focused on the various facets of the American workforce. Including Agriculture, Education, Communication, Industry, and Science, the set sold for $4,312 against an estimate of $2,000-3,000. A beautifully restored Coke Vendo 81 vending machine sold for $2,645 against a presale estimate of $1,000-1,500. And a WWII cardboard Coke festoon honoring U.S. naval ships finished up at $4,025, well exceeding expectations of $800-1,000.

Miscellaneous items included a number of salesman samples such as an outstanding wood and brass horse drawn snow plow on runners with its original wooden carrying case. It was a great trade at $7,475 just short of its estimate of $7,500-8,500. And a two-wheeled horse drawn cultivator sold just above its $1,500-2,500 estimate for $2,530.

Julia's upcoming auctions include a fabulous antiques and fine art auction taking place February 5, 6, and 7 at Julia’s facilities in Fairfield, Maine. It will feature a vast array of over $2 Million, an important firearms and military memorabilia auction in March, and a glass and lamp auction in June followed by Julia’s next toy & doll auction also in June. 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 - On Monday, October 6th and Tuesday, October 7th the U.S. Stock Market plunged nearly 10% and the world economy flirted with catastrophe but in Fairfield, Maine an assemblage of rare antique guns brought extraordinary results, despite the economy. A Colt Walker pistol, made for use in the Mexican War and considered to be the finest example in existence, sold for a spectacular $920,000. This was the most expensive single firearm ever sold at auction in the world. The total sale gross was nearly $12 million (including post auction sales) against the low estimate of approximately $10 million. The sale was unquestionably a tremendous testament to the demand, confidence and resilience for collectors of antique firearms.

Antique Colts were offered the second day and there were a number of exciting examples sold. An extraordinary cased, fluted Colt Model 1860 Army in near mint condition, considered to be the finest example in the world, was estimated at $350,000-$450,000 and went out for a final price of just a little over $454,000. An exceedingly rare cased pair of presentation Colt 1851 Navy revolvers, estimated at $180,000-$225,000 brought $230,000 and an extraordinary cased Gustav Young-engraved Colt 1851 Navy, estimated at $90,000-$125,000 sold for $138,000. An outstanding and rare cased early Colt baby dragoon, estimated at $20,000-$30,000 sold for $63,250. A fine martially-marked cased Colt 51 Navy, estimated at $10,000-$15,000 brought an astounding $57,500 and an exquisite Eugene Young-engraved gold and nickel Colt Model 1877 sheriff’s model DA lightning revolver was estimated at $50,000-$75,000 and sold for $51,750. A very rare and desirable hand-colored litho of Colt’s Manufacturing Plant, estimated at $12,500-$17,500 sold for $14,950.

The Julia auction actually began on the on Monday, October 6th, and was preceded by a three-day auction conducted by The Poulin Auction Company (Julia’s sister and her husband). Their modern facilities are located literally 50 yards from Julia’s outstanding facilities. The Poulin auction included more quality items from the late Bruce Stern’s military collection; overall the three-day sale for Poulin’s carried an estimate of just under a million dollars and realized $1.3 million. The James D. Julia auction actually began on Monday, October 6th, immediately following the Poulin auction and started out with a fine selection of rare Class III weapons. Julia’s last auction, which featured the Bruce Stern Collection, had one of the finest and largest offerings of Class III weapons that had been offered at auction for many, many years. The offering brought spectacular prices with a total sale of around $1.5 million. This sale also included a number of desirable items, all of which did extremely well. Julia’s consultant for machine guns, Jeff Zimba, pointed out that in his opinion Class III machine guns are a better investment than lake-front property. In the early 60s, by federal law, a machine gun in this country was required to be registered. From that point on only those machine guns that were registered at that time are now legal to own. Of the approximately quarter of a million machine guns registered back in the 1960s, far less now survive and there is no opportunity to increase the numbers available on the market and so as the numbers decrease, through loss or fire, etc., the demand continues to bolster the prices. A Hotchkiss portable machine gun Model MK1, estimated at $9,000-$11,000 sold for $36,800. A St. Etienne M1907machine gun on tripod, estimated at $12,000-$14,000 went out at $26,450. A Benet-Mercie machine rifle, Model 1909 estimated at $12,000-$14,000 realized $23,000 and the ever-popular Colt Model 1921AC machine gun, popular with both gangsters and policemen alike, carried a $25,000-$35,000 presale estimate, it was originally the property of the Pennsylvania State Police and finally sold for $31,625. Another Colt, Model 1928 Navy Over Stamp sub-machine gun in case, estimated at $25,000-$35,000 sold for $29,900.

Monday’s sale also included an extraordinary offering of German Lugers and related military weapons of the Twentieth Century from the esteemed collection of Doug Smith. Doug’s collection, for condition and rarity, is one of the finest collections in the world and the selection of rare guns included a Model 1893 DWM Borchardt semi-automatic pistol with matching shoulder stock estimated at $30,000-$45,000, it sold for $32,200. A spectacular DWN 1902 Luger carbine with leather retailer’s case, estimated at $25,000-$35,000 sold for $28,750. A spectacular DWM 1906 Navy Luger 2nd issue with holster rig, estimated at $15,000-$20,000, sold for $18,400 and a very rare Mauser Stoeger American eagle artillery Luger with holster rig, estimated at $22,500-$27,500 went out at $23,575. An extraordinarily rare Walther Model “AP” prototype semi-automatic pistol estimated at $35,000-$45,000 sold for $35,075.

Despite the tremendous results of the auction both Monday and Tuesday, not everything “blew through the roof”. Although a number of the Smith guns sold, some did not meet their reserve and failed to sell. Other military items from various other collections, including an ultra rare Remington Model 1918 Mark I Pederson device, estimated at $25,000-$35,000 went out at a resounding $48,300! An extremely rare Springfield Model 1922 heavy barrel international match rifle, estimated at $25,000-$30,000 finally sold for $23,000. Also, an extremely rare Model 1897 No. 5 Bergman semi-automatic pistol with shoulder stock, estimated at $12,500-$17,500 sold for $23,575.

Monday afternoon Julia’s offered an extraordinary collection of high-grade sporting rifles and side-by-side shotguns. Within the last few years, Julia’s has consistently offered some of the finest selections of quality shotguns in the world and this sale was probably one of their finest offerings; in all, the sporting rifles and shotguns realized between $3.5-$4 million dollars. An extraordinary, elaborate and rare Miller & Val. Greiss underlever single shot big bore rifle resulted in a tremendous amount of interest. It was an extraordinary work of art with magnificent engraving, exquisite gold inlay, and incredible relief carvings on many areas of the wood. This 10-bore gun carried an estimate of $35,000-$75,000 and eventually, after heavy bidding, went out at $86,250. A spectacular R. G. Owen Springfield action custom rifle, engraved by Rudolph Kornbrath was estimated at $20,000-$30,000 and finally realized $40,250. A massive antique John Dickson & Son percussion 8-bore dangerous game rifle was estimated at $25,000-$35,000 and finally realized $63,250. Fine shotguns saw considerable competition; a superb 20-bore James Woodward best quality O/U cased was estimated at $125,000-$150,000 and sold for $138,000. A 20-gage James Purdey best side lock ejector gun with two sets of barrels was estimated at $50,000-$60,000 and went out at $66,000. An extremely rare matched pair of Fabbri best quality side-by-side pigeon guns with extraordinary engraving carried a pre-sale estimate of $160,000-$200,000 and went out at $184,000. The very next lot, an art engraved Fabbri O/U pinless sidelock 12 gauge realized $97,750. A spectacular Luciano Bosis “Queen” S/S 20-gage shotgun realized $63,250. A scarce and desirable Parker “000” frame DHE-grade 410-gauge S/S, estimated at $40,000-$50,000 sold for $41,400. An outstanding A.H. Fox DE Grade S/S 16 gauge, estimated at $20,000-$25,000 realized well over the high estimate at $39,100. A Winchester Model 21 Grand American 20 gauge with case estimated at $40,000-$50,000 sold for $42,550 but the rare Model 21 Pigeon-grade, estimated at $25,000-$35,000 went out at $48,875. A Churchill & McKenzie custom exhibition Browning superposed 20 gauge, estimated at $10,000-$20,000 sold for $20,700.

Tuesday began with a selection of Marlin rifles, many of which came from the collection of the late Leland Clapp. Included in this extensive offering of Marlins was a recently discovered deep relief engraved gold-plated presentation grade deluxe Marlin M89 engraved “World’s Fair, Chicago, 1893”. This exquisite work of art realized $40,250. A superb offering of Winchesters included what is believed to be an early prototype or pre-production Henry rifle. Winchester originally purchased The Volcanic Arms Company, which produced a lever action firearm and after acquiring the firm hired B. Tyler Henry a firearms engineer to redesign the volcanic into a more formidable weapon. The result of his efforts was the famous Henry rifle. This prototype, with no serial number, carried both volcanic attributes as well as Henry rifle attributes and was certainly an experimental model in the transition of Henry’s design from the volcanic to the eventual Henry rifle. This rare gun, estimated at $50,000-$70,000 sold for $69,000. An extraordinary Henry marked Winchester M66 lever action rifle (the next improvement over the Henry rifle) was an outstanding example; the condition was extraordinary and it carried a $50,000-$75,000 estimate and finally sold at $69,000. The earliest know Winchester M73 lever action rifle, SN 13 in 44/40 caliber sold for $149,500. Another 73 Winchester 44/40 in outstanding condition was estimated at $14,000-$18,000 and sold for $25,300. A beautiful Winchester 86 deluxe engraved cal. 45/90 with Swiss butt plate sold for $40,250.

Julia’s auctions over the years have become renowned for their offering of high-quality and rare Civil War items. This sale included a select grouping of Civil War objects. One outstanding offering was a magnificent and historic cased, inscribed Tiffany & Company presentation sword complete with accessories to Brigadier General George Frederick Granger of the 9th Maine Infantry. Estimated at $125,000-$150,000, it sold for $143,750. A rare eight-star Confederate 1st National flag, estimated at $20,000-$30,000 sold dead center of the estimate at $25,875. A rare Confederate battle shirt, de-acquisitioned from a New England museum, was estimated at $6,000-$8,000 and went out at $14,950.

At Julia’s last sale, a rare collection of slave badges were offered and received an incredible amount of interest which resulted in another rare collection of slave tags consigned for this auction. This collection sold for $126,500. A group of Civil War carbines including a Burnside 1st Model breech–loading carbine that was estimated at $6,000-$10,000 saw a great deal of action and finally sold for $14,090.

One category that saw a considerable amount of interest was a small collection of California gold nuggets. In perilous times, people always turned to gold and this was certainly no exception. A very rare California gold nugget weighing almost 7 ounces sold for $10,925. A selection of Kentucky rifles and pistols included a signed Moll flintlock pistol, estimated at $10,000-$15,000 which brought just over $14,000. A relief-carved North Carolina Kentucky signed “Isaac J. Thompson”, estimated at $8,000-$10,000 sold for $20,100 and an Abraham Schweitzer Kentucky rifle, estimated at $12,000-$15,000 realized $20,700. A 2nd model Virginia flint pistol, estimated at $6,000-$8,000 realized $10,350. A pre-Brown Bess musket, circa 1725 marked on barrel, “Pocock C. 3 No 17” carried a presale estimate of $7,000-$10,000 and sold for $14,375.

Another fine collection included in this auction was that of the late Dr. Frank Miller of Long Island, New York. Dr. Miller was a brilliant and accomplished surgeon specializing in urology. He collected much of his lifetime with a focus on quality and condition. Among the vast offering from his collection was a very rare deluxe cased Royalty grade Devisme percussion half-stock sporting rifle with accessories. Estimated at $15,000-$25,000, it brought $18,400. Also and unusual and rare Austrian breech-loading flintlock 18th century gun which broke at the breech and had a special insert for re-loading, carried a presale estimate of $4,000-$6,000 and finally realized $9,800.

Total low estimate of all items sold was $9.7 million and sold for approximately $12 million. In all 2 items realized above $400,000, 10 objects realized above $100,000, 31 sold above $50,000, 124 sold for over $20,000, and 294 sold over $10,000. The average sale value of approximately $11,500 is the highest average ever achieved by an auction house for firearms. In recent years Julia’s has consistently put forth the highest grossing firearms auctions in the world; their last sale, at $12.7 was the largest grossing firearms auction ever in history and this auction, at $11.7 million is their second highest grossing sale. A previous sale in 2007 realized $11.2 million. James D. Julia, Auctioneers is located in Fairfield, Maine. Their next firearms auction is scheduled for March 2009 and already includes some outstanding items and is sure to be another spectacular event. For more details go to www.jamesdjulia.com or contact them at (207) 453-7125.

James D. Julia’s spectacular antiques & fine art auction at the Samoset Resort in Rockland, Maine has long been the pinnacle of the summer auction season. With each passing year, the Fairfield, Maine auction firm amazes and delights auction goers with an even greater offering of fine antiques than the previous year, consistently exceeding the last in quality and quantity. This time the three-day extravaganza featured over 1,700 lots with a total gross of over $5 million, making it their biggest summer antiques auction to date. Bidders in attendance were treated to the breathtaking display in the posh ballroom and adjoining halls of Maine’s most luxurious resort and it was a sight to be held.

From the very first lot of the three-day extravaganza, it was obvious that this was to be no ordinary auction. The sale featured nearly 750 pieces of fine artwork, high style Victorian contents of a Gulf Coast mansion, early American furniture, folk art, weathervanes, pottery, and fine antiques of every kind from some of the finest estates and collections to hit the auction block in many years. Included were the contents of the Richard Paine Estate of Seal Cove, Maine, whose auto museum was a world renowned attraction. His tremendous collection of folk art included a variety of rare weathervanes highlighted by one in the form of a full-bodied standing mule. Circa late 19th Century, this possibly unique form was a must have for two phone bidders who refused to let it go without a fight. Only one could be victorious in the end, and that is the one who was willing to pay $117,300 with no deference to its $20,000-30,000 estimate. From other collections the variety of vanes included a full-body copper example in the form of a leaping stag that sold for $25,300 against a $5,000-8,000 estimate. And a copper racehorse and jockey won by several lengths, hitting $30,475 versus expectations of $7,000-9,000.

The splendid selection of folk art was underscored by a truly extraordinary carved wood figure of the Goddess of Liberty, which ended up being the top seller of the day. This rare and important, life-size polychrome carving shows the American icon draped in a red and gold trimmed robe standing on a plinth. The figure was originally discovered by Ms. Helena Penrose, an acknowledged authority and dealer on American folk art carvings and colleague of Abby Aldridge Rockefeller. Ms. Penrose sold the figure to a very wealthy, avid antique collector in the mid-20th Century, informing him that this figure originally resided in Tammany Hall in New York City during the late teens. The workmanship and provenance of this most impressive folk art masterpiece added to its desirability. Never having been offered at public auction, it sold for $143,750 against a presale estimate of $100,000-200,000.

Other folk art in the auction from the Richard Paine Estate also fared well such as an American carved and decorated eagle plaque by C.H. Badger. Exquisitely rendered in the manner of John Bellamy, the small 17” gilded spread eagle perched atop crossed draping flags sold for