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...'
Hand Blown Glass Paperweights
A delightful San Anselmo estate collection of over seventy hand blown glass paperweights will be made available in 18 February auction lots. The assortment encompasses animal, novelty, foliage and floral motifs, with Scottish miniatures, marine imagery and abstract pieces also present from the collection. Of particular interest prior to Valentine’s Day may be lot 346, a grouping of five heart paperweights accompanied by a putto by St. Clair. Represented makers include Charles and David Kaziun, Baccarat, Lundberg Studios, Orient & Flume, Nourot and Murano. The paperweight collection will make its sale debut on February the 7th, in accordance with Michaan’s new Saturday monthly estate auction schedule.
German Mechanical Christmas Tree Stand with Regina Music Box
This mechanical German Christmas tree stand with Regina music box and eleven player discs will be offered to bidders in October. The stand is presented just in time for the holidays and remains in wonderful working condition. The crank serves the musical function, while the tree, once screwed into the stand, spins continuously. A small number of Regina music boxes have survived, with their elimination attributed to such events as World War I and World War II scrap metal drives. The musical tree stand will be sold as lot 224 at an auction estimate of $1,500-2,500.
George Nelson Multicolored Ball Clock
This multi-colored ball clock by George Nelson for Howard Miller is a distinctive and playful find. Hour markers are fashioned by skewered, painted wooden balls in powder blue, coral, olive green and black. Animated hour and minute hands compliment the overall look, set upon a simple round, white face. During George Nelson's time as Director of Design for the Herman Miller furniture company his involvement produced some of the 20th century's most iconic modernist furniture pieces. The ball clock will be offered in Michaan's 20th Century Modern Design Auction on April 6th at an estimate of $500-700.
Gilbert Gaul (American 1855-1919) "Unexpected Encounter"
Gilbert Gaul's "Unexpected Encounter" depicts a dramatic winter scene of a High Sierra cowboy upon horseback unknowingly coming across three wolves. The tension in the painting is palpable, as it appears that only a short distance separates the young man and the feral wolves. Gaul's "Unexpected Encounter" is being offered at an estimate of $20,000-30,000 in the June Fine Sale. Gaul received many prestigious recognitions over the span of his career. Achievements include medals awarded by the American Art Association, the Paris Exposition, the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the Buffalo Exposition. Gaul was also the youngest person to ever be elected a full academician at the National Academy.
Frederick Ferdinand Schafer (American 1839-1927) "Morning on Feather River, California"
Frederick Ferdinand Schafer's popularity has sky rocketed in recent years and collector interest continues to grow for the quintessential California nature artist. As a result, his pieces are known to easily bring $125,000 at auction. Collector interest should be strong for Schafer's landscape painting "Morning on Feather River, California." A local artist, Schafer had studios in San Francisco and homes in Alameda and Oakland, where he died in 1927. Schafer is well-known by collectors and dealers of western art, especially in California and the Pacific Northwest. "Morning on Feather River, California" will be offered in the June Fine Sale with an estimate of $6,000-9,000.
Gloria Vanderbilt (American b.1924) "City View"
"City View" by Gloria Vanderbilt is a featured piece in Michaan's monthly estate sale. This original mixed media work is one of six by the artist to be sold in April. Vanderbilt, best known as a fashion pioneer and headline-making socialite, has successfully established herself as an acclaimed artist. Her keen sense for visual aesthetics has transcended the fashion world and has now garnered her praise from both art critics and collectors alike. Vanderbilt herself has expressed the notion that colors and patterns sustain her as an artist, which is clearly seen in this vibrant work. Vanderbilt's "City View" will be offered at an estimate of $3,000-5,000.
Cased George Wostenholm 1851 IXL Tortoiseshell Knife
This rare and highly important George Wostenholm tortoiseshell exhibition sports lockback knife stands at the forefront of Michaan's Fine and Collectible Knives Auction. The fine piece, which holds twenty-three varied implements, will be accompanied by an original exhibition case and copy of the "Sheffield Exhibition Knives Book." Exhibited at the 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition, the piece was also shown at the 1855 Paris Exhibition where it was awarded the Gold Medal of Honor; the only one presented for English cutlery. This coveted knife will be sold on September the 6th as lot 2127 at an estimate of $30,000-50,000.
Frans Masereel (Belgian 1889-1972) "Night Rider, 1938"
The offering from Frans Masereel beautifully shows the signs of life of a city after dusk. Shadowed buildings illuminated by street light posts are seen in the background. A group of horses lead by men cut through the scene as miscellaneous townspeople roam about. The depiction of nightfall is illuminated by a warm, rosy glow, bringing life and energy to the painting. Masereel has been honored in numerous exhibitions and is the member of several academies. Most notable is the "Frans Masereel Centre," dedicated to the artist in Belgium. "Night Rider, 1938" will be auctioned in the June Fine Sale at an estimate of $10,000-15,000.
George Frederick Bensell (American 1837-1879) "Watering Hole"
A wonderfully understated oil lies in George Frederick Bensell's "The Watering Hole." The landscape scene is painted in shades of sepia and centers naturally formed rocks scattered amongst a declining forest. A misty mountain surrounded by billowing clouds complete the background of the painting, offered at an estimate of $3,000-5,000 in the June Fine sale. Bensell was well-known for commissioning portraits, landscapes, historical and "poetical genre" subjects for his wealthy clientele. He is also recognized as a cofounder of the Philadelphia Sketch Club. The club was founded in 1860 and is America's oldest continuously operating club for professional artists.
Emilio Grau Sala (Spanish 1911-1975) "Paddock en Normandie, 1961"
From Spanish painter Emilio Grau Sala is the lively "Paddock en Normandie." The late 1950s, early 1960s modernism race horse scene is in absolutely pristine condition. The painting was originally bought from a gallery and then it remained in a private family estate for two generations. The vibrant oil depicts horse race revelers consorting with a jockey as additional jockeys and patrons mill about the scene. The vivacious brush strokes and vibrant colors bring a palpable energy to the painting; a piece sure to draw strong collector interest. Sala's "Paddock en Normandie" will be offered in the June Fine Sale at an estimate of $18,000-26,000.