February’s Auction Block features a ring with nearly 100 diamonds, more than 70 Kennedy half-dollars, a Warhol screenprint and two paintings — one a lighthearted take on the Boston Tea Party and the other a storybook depiction of the British past.
Doyle
Two-Color Gold Colored Diamond Ring
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Sold for: $35,200
This ring, size 7 ¼, of white and rose gold, sold for over seven times its high estimate at one of Doyle’s recent Fine Jewelry auctions. At the center of the ring is a cut-cornered rectangular, modified brilliant, Fancy Light Greenish Blue diamond weighing 1.69-carats. Framing that stone is a circle of 20 round pink diamonds surrounded by 74 round diamonds. Mounted on the band are two pear-shaped round diamonds, one on each side.
Christie’s
Ralph Cahoon’s ‘Boston Tea Party’
Estimate: $12,000–$18,000
Sold for: $69,850
Part of the Christie’s auction “We The People: America at 250,” this whimsical oil painting on Masonite by Ralph Cahoon (1910-1982) depicts the Boston Tea Party in the artist’s vibrant signature style, inspired by folk art. Selling for almost four times its high estimate, it is signed and dated “R. CAHOON /1978” in the lower right corner. Cahoon was a lifelong resident of Cape Cod; his house in Cotuit is now the Cahoon Museum of American Art.
Bonhams
Andy Warhol’s ‘Some Men Need Help’
Sold for: $15,360
This framed screenprint by Andy Warhol (1928-1987), printed by Prince of Pop associate Rupert Jasen Smith, was part of a recent Prints & Photographs auction. The image, based on a publicity photo, was used in posters for the comedy “Some Men Need Help,” starring Philip Bosco and Treat Williams. Former Warhol “superstar” Jane Holzer was connected with the play, which opened in New York in October of 1982, closing the following night.
Weschler’s
Collection of Seventy-Two U.S. Kennedy 1964 Silver Half-Dollars and Three Silver-Clad Half Dollars
Estimate: $700–$900
Sold for: $1,800
As many of us know, coins are not used much these days (RIP pennies). This collection of 1964 Kennedy silver half dollars and three silver-clad half dollars sold for twice the high estimate. The Kennedy half dollar was first minted in 1964 with a composition of 90-percent silver and 10-percent copper. The percentage of fine silver was reduced starting the following year; the use of silver ceased in 1971 except for collectors’ issues.
Freeman’s
Frank Moss Bennett’s ‘The Heiress’
Estimate: $1,500–$2,500
Sold for: $18,200
Selling for over seven times its high estimate, this oil by British painter Frank Moss Bennett (1874-1953), from a private collection, measures 30 by 40 inches and is signed in the lower left corner. Born in Liverpool, Bennett studied at the Slade School of Fine Art, the St John’s Wood Art School and the Royal Academy Schools. “The Heiress” is representative of Bennett’s historical genre paintings, which incorporate his costume and furniture research.
Potomack Company
Janesich Pagoda Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Brooch
Estimate: $6,000-$8,000
Sold for: $25,000 (including buyer’s premium)
This brooch is inscribed “JaneSich, 10124,” came in a Sotheby’s pouch. The owner purchased Sotheby’s April 23, 2009. Lot 364. Provenance: From a descendant of a founder of Giant Food.
