posted 01-31-2007 06:04 PM            

I also found online a PDF of the top sales items, but wasn't sure it was appropriate to link to that here. Three of the top ten pieces in the sale were from the Darling Foundation collection, and five were from the First Church. They did issue a silver catalog for the sale, but it's rather pricey -- I suggest waiting and watching the resellers' tables later this year.

quote:

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From the Darling Foundation of New York State Early American Silversmiths comes an extraordinary collection of 18th century silver from New York. Formed by Herbert F. Darling (1905-1968) of Buffalo, the Darling Foundation Collection has served as a New York State educational institution since 1958. Mr. Darling’s interest in antique silver was sparked in 1945 with the purchase of a Georgian silver tea service, but he soon realized that there was “too much English around” and that collecting early American silver presented a more challenging and stimulating pursuit. With his focus set on New York State silver, Mr. Darling made his greatest contribution to the field of study with the publication of New York State Silversmiths in 1964, a publication that has remained the essential reference book on the subject and an indispensable guide to students and collectors of New York silver.

Leading the Darling Foundation’s collection is The Douw Family Teapot, an important pear-shaped silver teapot with the mark of Tobias Stoutenburgh, circa 1730. Rich with Dutch-style engraving, this is an exquisite example of early New York silver. Also from the Douw family is a silver cream jug also with the mark of Tobias Stoutenburgh, circa 1730.

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I took the prices out of the above in accordance with Forum policy. I didn't know the Darling collection was still intact (he died in 1968). I wonder what's happened with the rest of it!

posted 02-08-2007 02:15 PM            

FWG's suggestion of not purchasing this catalog (at least at this price)is well taken. Christie's has missed an opportunity to create a classic reference in the manner of Sotheby's 2004 catalog of the Jeffords' Collection. The Sotheby catalog covered 141 items in 289 pages; each item was illustrated with large multiple views and marks were shown for most; the majority of items were thoroughly described and their provenance presented; the catalog had references, a table of contents, and an index. Christies, by contrast, even though many of the items were every bit as important (the First Church items received better coverage than the Heritage Foundation pieces), devoted 73 pages to 72 items, as many as 5 of the "lesser" itmes to a page, with only a scant description. Enlarged images of only 10 marks were included, and only two or three others could be seen on the objects - you had to take their identifications on faith - most or all of which were probably correct (it is not like buying on ebay), but an absentee buyer, if he did not know the object, would not be likely to bid as high, if at all, on faith. I received an email comment that the prices realized were not what would have been expected; if so, this well may be the reason why. Take home lesson: if you have high expectations for an object to sell, go to Sotheby's!