The recent "Summer Splendor" auction at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, held on June 28, 29, and 30, proved to be a remarkable success, drawing attention from collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. The event featured significant collections from Brother Thomas Bezanson and the estate of the late singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg, generating nearly $1.2 million in sales with additional post-auction offers still coming in.

Highlights of the Auction

Ceramic artist Brother Thomas Bezanson at work, whose pieces were a highlight of the June Splendor 2024 auction at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries.

Brother Thomas Bezanson Collection:

Brother Thomas Bezanson (1929-2007), a renowned ceramic artist, was one of the central attractions of the auction. His works, created during his time at Vermont’s Weston Priory, received overwhelming interest and fierce bidding. The collection of 31 ceramics significantly exceeded pre-sale estimates, totaling $60,200 compared to a median pre-sale estimate of $39,200. Standout pieces included:

A 1970s era tenmoku glazed meiping form vase with wax resist, fetching $8,400 (estimated $1,500-$2,500).
A canteen form vase with honan tenmoku glaze, selling for $5,700 (estimated $1,500-$2,000).
A bulbous porcelain vase with dark copper red and blue glaze, achieving $4,200 (estimated $1,500-$2,500).

The remaining items from Brother Thomas' collection will be featured in the upcoming August 23, 24, and 25 auction.

Dan Fogelberg Estate:

Items from Dan Fogelberg’s Deer Isle, ME estate also captivated bidders. Noteworthy sales included:

A watercolor painting by Robert Wyland depicting a whale mother and calf, which sold for $12,000 (estimated $4,500-$6,500).
A pair of Italian sterling silver dolphin form candlesticks by Buccellati, bringing in $6,875 (estimated $2,000-$2,500).
A still life painting by contemporary artist Louise Lans, selling for $4,687 (estimated $1,000-$1,500).
A Germantown Serrate Navajo blanket, achieving $4,375 (estimated $600-$800).

Top Lots and Exceptional Results

The highest-selling item of the auction was an impressionistic oil on canvas painting titled "Beechwoods" by Emil Carlsen (1853-1932), which garnered $31,250, surpassing its pre-sale estimate of $8,000-$12,000. Other notable art sales included:

A portrait of a young woman by William Merritt Chase (1849-1916), selling for $15,000 (estimated $5,000-$7,000).
A scenic painting of the Grand Tetons by Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902), fetching $11,250 (estimated $7,000-$9,000).
"The Battle of the Mona Passage 19 April 1782," an oil on canvas by Thomas Elliot (active 1790-1800), achieving $10,000 (estimated $7,000-$9,000).

Jewelry and Fine Objects:

The auction also featured an 18K yellow gold chalice in a Tiffany & Co. leather presentation box, which was highly sought after and sold for $27,500 (estimated $7,500-$8,500).

Auctioneer Kaja Veilleux presenting an 18K yellow gold chalice during Thomaston Place Auction Galleries' June Splendor 2024 auction.

Jewelry highlights included:

An 18K gold bracelet with oval cabochon amethysts by Mario Buccellati, fetching $17,500 (estimated $5,000-$7,000).
A 1715 Fleet Shipwreck 8-Escudo gold coin mounted in a 14K gold pendant frame with sapphire, selling for $12,500 (estimated $6,000-$8,000).
A Buccellati signed 18K gold mounted cushion cut amethyst ring surrounded by cabochon blue sapphires, achieving $10,625 (estimated $2,000-$3,000).

Other Significant Sales

Additional items of interest included a Steinway Model O grand piano with a tiger mahogany case, which sold for $18,000 (estimated $15,000-$20,000), and a Revolutionary War period leather wallet with Continental currency, which achieved $12,000 (estimated $300-$400).

Thriving Online and Phone Participation

Thomaston Place Auction Galleries staff members taking bids by phone and online during the exciting June Splendor 2024 auction.

In addition to the enthusiastic gallery audience, the auction saw substantial participation from thousands of bidders worldwide who joined live by phone and online. The auction was live-streamed, allowing collectors and enthusiasts from around the globe to engage in the bidding process in real-time. This extensive reach and accessibility underscored the global appeal and prestige of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, ensuring competitive bidding and impressive final sale prices across a diverse array of items.

Looking Ahead

Thomaston Place Auction Galleries continues to uphold its reputation as Northern New England’s premier international auction company. Located on U.S. Route 1 in Thomaston, ME, the gallery is recognized for discovering antique and fine art treasures, offering free appraisals each Tuesday, and creating fundraiser events for civic and charitable organizations. The gallery's next major fine art and antique sale is scheduled for August 23, 24, and 25, 2024.

For a complete list of auction results and more information about upcoming events, visit Thomaston Place Auction Galleries.