Allard’s April Online Auction Scores a Win!

By Tom Surface

In facing the new realities of daily living imposed while waging the war against the Coronavirus pandemic, Allard Auctions of St Ignatius, Montana, scored an impressive win in staging their late April online auction.

With Covid-19 ravaging the world, owner Steve Allard set a moderate, but reasonable, goal in sales for the auction that included just under 200 lots of vintage Native American and Western Americana items. When the dust had settled from the 100 percent online event, the auction had garnered more than double his estimate in actual sales.

Allard was very pleased with the sales, but didn’t know whether to attribute the positive results to renewed interest in Native American collectables or that people around the world are just “bored out of their minds” for something new to pass the time. But the results can speak for themselves. The one-day auction featured a wide array of items including Native American basketry, pottery, jewelry, textiles, western, firearms and art.

Blackfoot Style War Shirt, Mid/Late 1900s Mens Large Amazing, hand crafted - Sold for $1800

Leading the pack in this auction were Navajo weavings. They held their value well, with most meeting the estimated value and many exceeding that price.

Navajo and Zuni jewelry also sold very well, with most of the offerings meeting and exceeding the estimated values. Bidders engaged in lively competition for many of the intricate pieces designed by noted Native masters. Beaded leather and buckskin works from Cheyenne, Apache, Plateau and Plains tribes held their value. The auction also featured a wide selection of tribal basketry from Pima, Tlingit, Apache, Nootka and Makah makers. There were some great deals realized by collectors. Same can be said for pottery offerings from Acoma, Hopi, Santa Clara and others. Prices were fair with some bidders walking away with true bargains.

Apache Basket, Early/Mid 1900s 10” x 15” - Sold for $2000

In this day of online auctions and “at home” bidding, some bidders may feel a little apprehensive with the online process and how their pieces will be packaged and shipped. Allard’s team leaves nothing to chance. We noted some comments left by happy bidders: Ian, a winning bidder from New Mexico noted; “this was a great auction, and I bid on and won some great pieces that were accurately described with multiple photos showing a lot of detail.” This sentiment was echoed by James from Tennessee who wrote; “my items exceeded my expectation.” Allard’s team also takes great care in the packaging and shipping of each item. Troy, an online bidder from Nevada and who has bought hundreds of paintings over several years noted that Allard Auctions has “very reasonable” shipping prices and they pack the items well! He also noted that Allard Auctions accepts PayPal.

For information on upcoming events by Allard go to www.allardauctions.com or you can look for them at www.liveauctioneers.com.

Navajo Silver Box, Ca. 1980s 5” x 3” x 1-1/2 - Susie James - Sold for $400

Colt Engraved Single Action Revolver, Ca. 1980s 10-1/2” This is THE John Wayne / Franklin Mint Commemorative 1871 Colt - Sold for $1100

Large Navajo Horse Bracelet, Ca. 1970s 5-3/4” + 1-1/2” gap, x 3” wide large, heavy gauge, all silver cuff bracelet - Sold for $325

Two Casas Grandes Pottery Vessels, Prehistoric 6” x 5” each. Pair of great, old, polychrome effigy jars - Sold for $900

Huge Navajo Ring, Jerry Cowboy, Late 1900s Large and impressive all silver ring - Sold for $250.