Auctions have always been not only a great resource for buying on the secondary market (meaning not new, not retail) but also a great learning experience as you can see every day objects paired sometimes with museum-quality, history-making pieces. Be careful though, once you go, you may get hooked.
Ivey-Selkirk Auctioneers in St. Louis is having an upcoming Modernist sale Auction: November 14&15 ~ 11a.m. CST. Preview of what's up for sale can be seen starting this Sunday: November 8-12 ~10a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily. The URL for their upcoming auction is iveyselkirk.com/Twentieth.htm. I've done a little work for you and have chosen my pics that if I had the space, I'd choose for my home.
Note: all images and listings courtesy of Ivey Selkirk Auctioneers. Commentary done by DGU.
RANDALL MCCLELLAND, AMERICAN Walnut sculpture, 1973, signed with monogram and dated. 17 inches, raised on a black painted pedestal overall height 61 inches. McClelland is a sculptor from Quincy, Illinois. This is just a lovely wood piece that would look great asymmetrically placed on a mantel, on a coffee table or even on your dining room table. Anywhere. (This is the middle sculpture and is shown with others available by different artists at the auction)
IKE FORDYCE, AMERICAN COLD FALL OVEN - MARTINEZ HACIENDA, TAOS, N.M., October 1987, gelatin silver print, pencil signed lower margin and again with title verso, matted. This tree print is amazing. I'm a fan of trees and have done my own series with digital photography but it pales in comparison to not only the subject, but the use of light.
ALEXANDER CALDER, AMERICAN (1898-1976) color lithograph, A.P., pencil signed lower right, framed.
This is typical Alexander Calder. A.P. refers to Artist Proof and are usually done before the numbered series as the artist is testing the process or he's making some for himself. This one's signed in pencil. Some are signed on the printing plate, and then you're never sure if it's an original or a later strike. This is a good one.
GEORG JENSEN, DENMARK Sterling silver compote, 1915-1939, slightly flared bowl raised on foliate stem and oval support, impressed signature and numbered 6 underfoot. When it comes to Sterling, you can't go wrong with George Jensen. I go to their shop often in Chicago, but the price can scare you away. Secondary markets allow collectors to keep going and enable the first-time buyer the opportunity to acquire. The craftsmanship on all GJ pieces are unmatched anywhere. Quality. Elegant. Simple.
GUSTAVE ROGER SANDOZ AND GERARD SANDOZ, FRENCH Silver, lacquer and eggshell cigarette case decorated in black and red enamel, interior in silver gilt, signed G. Roger Sandoz and Gerard Sandoz del, with G.S. monogram and French silver punch.
This case likely depicts the heavyweight fight between Jack Dempsey and Jack Sharkey, July 21, 1927 at Yankee Stadium. This is just a cool gift for someone and I would love to have it on my dresser or even on my coffee table. I would even carry it around with me to hold business cards (although slightly too large for that). Unusual and a great pick whether or not you are a sports fan or not. Look at the composition/craftsmanship.
FRENCH ART DECO MACASSAR DINING TABLE circa 1930, with high polished chrome accents. Wouldn't this look stunning in either a very large entry hall against a wall as a console table or as your dining room table or... how bout a very large desk. I have a 7 foot desk myself... maybe it's time to upgrade?
LOUIS MAJORELLE, FRENCH (1859-1926) TABLE, a two-tier mahogany and fruitwood floral marquetry tea table, circa 1900, raised on buttressed legs, signed. Ok, this is an opportunity for someone to own a beautiful piece. Majorelle is in major museums around the world and is known for the craftsmanship of not only the inlay but the delicate nature of the carved parts of furniture. King of art nouveau furniture, it's worth the investment for a lifetime of beauty.