Auction Videos
Michaan's Video Archive contains hundreds of videos of items from past auctions. Use our Video Search form to search for items of interest, such as 'clock', 'emerald', 'Dali', etc. If a search returns more than ten (10) items a link will be provided to 'Show More Items...'
Graduated Opal Bead, Diamond, Platinum, Silver Necklace
A rare find is held in this opal, diamond and platinum necklace with an estimate of $9,000-15,000. The graduated opal beads are of the highest quality with an intense, fiery spark and are matched with the utmost precision. The beads range in size from approximately 8.50 to 2.00 mm, forming a 27 inch necklace. The piece is beautifully completed by a platinum filigreed fish hook clasp accented by 0.06 carats of full-cut diamonds with a sterling silver safety chain.
Wm. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (American 1878 - 1936) "The Trail Boss (Settlers & Seeds, Civilization's Forerunner)"
An important and desirable work of art is found in a rare piece by William Herbert "Buck" Dunton. The oil painting titled "The Trail Boss (Settlers & Seeds, Civilization's Forerunners)" is estimated at $200,000-300,000 in Michaan's Auctions June Fine Sale. "The Trail Boss" was commissioned by the D.M. Ferry Seed Company in 1910. Dunton was hired to create an iconic image that encapsulated the totality of what it meant to migrate to the west. The painting depicts the Trail Boss, or wagon train foreman, traveling on horseback through a western plain with covered wagons in tow. Dunton's unique style of painting in bold, patterned brushstrokes of rich color is as distinctive as his themes of the Old West.
An Imperial Yellow 'Lotus Flower' Glass Bowl
This imperial yellow 'lotus flower' bowl is being offered in the June Fine Asian Works of Art Auction as lot 8076 with an estimate of $4,000-6,000. This brilliantly hued bowl features layers of incised lotus petals cradled by an undulating lotus leaf rising from the foot of the bowl. The piece is also accompanied by a finely carved wood stand depicting a lotus pond. The lotus is regarded as an auspicious symbol, carrying strong significance in the Asian culture and Buddhism. When this flower, recognized as one of the Eight Sacred Symbols, is used in Buddhist art, the representation conveys a message of purity.
Jehan Georges Vibert (French 1840-1902) "The Cardinal"
French artist Jehan Georges Vibert's paintings held quite a prominent following during his career. John Jacob Astor IV and William Vanderbilt included his pieces in their collections and heiress May Louise Maytag amassed a large amount of his paintings on behalf of the then Bishop of Miami, Coleman Carroll. The Maytag accumulation was eventually donated to St. John Vianney College in Miami. "The Cardinal" is being offered at an estimate of $15,000-25,000 and depicts a Roman Catholic figure on a garden stroll. The lot includes an informative article of Vibert written by Bill Rau from the "Fine Art Connoisseur," April 2011.
Erle Loran, "The Docks," Oil Painting
Erle Loran's "The Docks" will be sold in Michaan's October estate auction as lot 115. Loran was a local art fixture in the Bay Area, becoming the leader of a group of painters known as the "Berkeley School." He was also the head of the Berkeley Art Department for approximately 30 years, with his painting students including Richard Diebenkorn and Sam Francis. Loran's work has been held by the Smithsonian Institution, the Los Angeles County Museum and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. "The Docks" will be auctioned at an estimate of $800-1,000
Henri Joseph Harpignies (French 1819 -1916) "Washing the Laundry, 1875"
Parisian artist Henri Joseph Harpignies' "Washing the Laundry, 1875" is offered in the June Fine Sale at an estimate of $6,000-9,000. The realist painting depicts hand maidens washing laundry in a bucolic lake setting. The sprawling country scene is beautifully portrayed with its reflection mirrored in the calm, still waters. The piece measures 13.25 by 16.25 inches and is signed in the lower left hand corner "Harpingnies 1875." Harpignies experienced some of his greatest successes at the Salon in Paris as a regular exhibitor and award winner. He also completed the decorative panel the Vallée d'Egérie for the Paris Opéra, shown at the Salon of 1870.
Hermann Herzog (American 1832-1932) "Farallon Islands, Pacific Coast"
Hermann Herzog's "Farallon Islands, Pacific Coast" is a tranquil and beautifully rendered oil painting. Lovely in its understated subtlety, Herzog masterfully utilized muted tones in a realist style. Seabirds in flight soar above the ocean scene of crashing waves; a depiction perfect in its simplicity. A number of prominent American and European museums now include Herzog's work as part of their collections and Michaan's is honored to have the painting available for its June Fine Sale. The piece is a timeless example of Herzog's artistry and technique, measuring 22 by 29 inches. "Farallon Islands, Pacific Coast" is estimated at $20,000-30,000.
Jean Vendome Diamond, Amethyst, Crystal, Sterling Silver, 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
Michaan's Auctions is pleased to present an amethyst, crystal and stalactite Jean Vendome necklace to be offered in the June Jewelry Sale. The piece is believed to be from the 1960s and will be sold with an estimate of $1,500-2,000. Upon one side is a line of eight natural, graduating amethyst crystals. The other side is fashioned with seven amethyst slabs. Two carved amethyst flowers that each display a diamond finish the succession of slabs, echoing the theme beautifully. The piece is signed J. Vendome and is accompanied by a handmade, fitted box.
Exhibition and Presentation Grade Multi-Blade Knife
This excellent multi-blade exhibition knife is of a fine presentation grade. The piece features engraved bolsters, faceted blades, a variety of accessories and pearl grip panels. One of the most prominent features is the four and a half inch spear point and lockable blade, measuring three-fourths of an inch in width at its widest point. Faceted blades are finely engraved and accompanied by fourteen accessories, including a corkscrew and scissors. This choice multi-blade knife will be sold in Michaan's Fine and Collectible Knives Auction on September the 6th as lot 2295 at an estimate of $30,000-40,000.
Enamel Gold Knights Templar Medal
This authentic Knights Templar Commander medal will be sold in September at an auction estimate of $900-1,200. The 14 karat yellow gold medal is fashioned as three main articulated pieces, each with a distinct design scheme. The top features garnet cabochons as well as black and white enamel. Upon the middle is a lengthwise nameplate, reading "WOODLAWN." A small red enamel cross then precedes the most substantial link, a large cross bearing elaborate engravings, enamelwork and decoration, finished by a white stone. A pair of small 10 karat yellow gold Sigma Chi fraternity pins completes the lot, lot listed number 180.