PHILADELPHIA, May 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freeman's marathon day of auctions on April 30 – American Furniture, Silver, Folk & Decorative Arts and the Historic USS Constitution Colors from the Collection of H. Richard Dietrich Jr. –was a resounding success realizing a combined total of $2.5 million. Provenance, uniqueness and overall high-quality generated excitement and interest from new and veteran collectors as well as institutions at home and abroad.
Top lots of the Americana auction include a rare painted and decorated yellow pine blanket chest, attributed to Johannes Spitler (1774-1837) of Massanutten, Virginia circa 1800 which achieved an astounding $350,000, more than four times its low estimate, and a Charles Carroll Chippendale mahogany metamorphic architect's desk, Anglo/Irish, circa 1770, which realized $71,500. Three collections of private estate property added historical significance and diversity to the sale: Property from the Estate of Janet Brown, The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. William R. Wister of Oldwick, New Jersey and the Collection of Virginia H. Knauer of Washington , DC.
The eleven USS Constitution flags were 100% sold. Top lots include a rare 31-star United States Ensign of the USS Constitution, circa 1851, inscribed 'Constitution No. 1' and a rare Commodore's Broad Pennant from the USS Constitution, circa 1837 inscribed 'Constitution bradd pendend' each achieving $158,500.
DETAILED PRESS RELEASES FOR THE ABOVE MENTIONED AUCTIONS WILL FOLLOW.
About Freeman's
Founded in 1805, Freeman's has upheld an exemplary role as America's oldest auction house. Located on Chestnut Street, Freeman's conducts over 30 auctions a year in categories including: American Furniture, Decorative & Folk Art, English & Continental Furniture & Decorative Arts, Asian Arts, Fine American & European Paintings, Modern & Contemporary Art, Rare Books, Fine Prints, Oriental Rugs, Fine Jewelry & Silver, and 20th/21st Century Design. Freeman's offers a full range of appraisal services from insurance, probate, family division and charitable contribution to inventory and insurance loss. For more information, visit www.freemansauction.com or contact 267.414.1240.
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