COMPLIMENTARY COPY
American Indian And Western Art Auction At Cowan’s On April 8 FRIDAY APRIL 8, 2016 • VOL. 47, NO. 15
Weathervanes: Three Centuries Of A Pennsylvania Folk Art Tradition
Drawing strength and diversity from several significant collections, Cowan’s Auctions will offer an exceptional mix of material during the company’s live salesroom auction of American Indian and Western Art on Friday, April 8. Highlighted in the auction will be the exceptional collection of Jim Ritchie (1938-2015) of Toledo, Ohio. A common bond runs throughout the auction, what Danica Farnand, Cowan’s director of American Indian Art, summarizes as “great collections and fresh material.” The collection of Jim Ritchie will lead the charge. The selection, as deep in quality as it is in variety, includes an Eastern Plains figural three-bladed war club, which is estimated to bring between
Exhibit On View At Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum A weathervane is as unique as the rooftop it graces. The Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum in Lancaster, Pa., has explored important historic examples in its newest exhibit, “Weathervanes: Three Centuries of a Pennsylvania Folk Art Tradition.” The exhibit will be on display in the museum’s visitor center gallery throughout the year, closing Saturday, Dec. 31. “Landis Valley has a tradition of producing high-quality, award-winning exhibits. This exhibit is no
exception, with over 40 rarely seen weathervanes from the Landis Valley collection, other institutions, and private collections,” said Landis Valley curator Jennifer Royer. “We were privileged to work with guest curator John Kolar, who helped us procure exceptional examples.” A quarter of the examples are from the museum, and there are 18 lenders for the exhibit. The museum administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) began as a private museum in 1925 founded by brothers Henry and George Landis. A well-done companion catalog was published and is available for purchase at the museum’s gift shop. Continued on page 2
The Indian with dog vane is from the Landis Valley Farm Museum collection.
AAN Current News
Wallace Nutting Collectors Club Convention Slated For May 13 And 14 on page 4
$150,000-$250,000. A Great Lakes wood ball club is expected to sell for $20,000-$30,000, a Micmac claystone pipe bowl with inlay is estimated at $8,000-$10,000, and a Great Lakes calumet pipe stem with a catlinite pipe bowl is expected to fetch $8,000-$10,000. Textiles and clothing play a noteworthy role in the auction. A Plateau pony beaded hide dress is estimated at $15,000$25,000, a Navajo Teec Nos Pos weaving is expected to bring anywhere between
Train And Railroad Memorabilia Strikes Popular Cord With Collectors on page 6
Continued on page 7
Rare Audubon Collection Of Prints To Take Flight
Morphy’s March Premier Toy, Doll, And Figural Cast Iron Sale Tops $800,000 on page 7
Bonhams Auction Will Feature 33 Works From “Birds Of America” Bonhams has announced a sale of works by John James Audubon (1785-1851), the famed naturalist and painter from the 19th century, at Prints and Multiples on Tuesday, April 19, in Los Angeles, Calif. Audubon dedicated himself to studying birds and – around the year 1820 – he declared his intention to paint every bird in North America. His collection of 435 life-size detailed and meticulous hand-colored engravings of birds in their natural habitats, published as the “Birds of America,” took roughly 12 years to complete. Sold in small sets, “Birds of America” today remains as one of the greatest examples of book art and among the finest ornithological works ever completed. Through the book, Audubon discovered 25 new species and 12 new subspecies. His influence in the study of birds and natural history continues to be significant. One of the highlights among the 33 Audubon prints in the Bonhams auction is “Snowy Owl” (Pl.
Texas A&M University Buys Early Map Of Texas And Letter For $10,500 on page 10
This “Great Blue Heron” (Pl. CCXI), 1834, from the Havell edition, is estimated at $70,000-$90,000.
Continued on page 3
Dig For A Coin At The Emporium on page 10
This circa 1815 weathervane known as “Little General” stood atop the first courthouse in York, Pa., which was town down in 1841. Created by clockmaker John Fisher, it was made to resemble Count Casimir Pulaski, who visited York in 1779 to organize a militia. Before the Count, an arrow was on top of the courthouse.
In This Issue
This painted sheet iron Indian vane, circa 1880-1900, is from the Landis Valley Farm Museum.
This “Snowy Owl” (Pl. CXXI), 1831, from the Havell edition of “Birds of America” is a framed hand-colored engraving with aquatint and This “Louisiana Heron” (Pl. CCXVII), 1834, from the Havell edi- etching and estimated at $60,000-$80,000. tion, is estimated at $80,000-$120,000.
SHOPS, SHOWS & MARKETS . . . . . . . . . . starting on page 3 SHOPS DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . . on page 5 EVENT & AUCTION CALENDAR . on page 8 AUCTION SALE BILLS . . . starting on page 8
FEATURED AUCTION: Woody Auction - April 9, in Douglass, Kansas - Page 12
AUCTIONEER DIRECTORY . . . . on page 11 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . on page 15