Prominent collectors and dealers were in attendance from all over the country, which involved well-known names from the Midwest, New York City, Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic and all-over the northeastern states.
Onsite Sale in Killingworth, Connecticut
Lewis Scranton's Onsite Sale at His 18th Home in Killingworth, CT
The Sale was Hosted by Skinner, Inc.
Lewis Scranton's Onsite Sale at His 18th Home in Killingworth, CT
The Sale was Hosted by Skinner, Inc.
Lewis Scranton's Onsite Sale at His 18th Home in Killingworth, CT
The Sale was Hosted by Skinner, Inc.
Lewis Scranton's Onsite Sale at His 18th Home in Killingworth, CT
The Sale was Hosted by Skinner, Inc.
The sale included a museum-quality collection of red earthenware from potters located in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, western New York and possibly other locations. There was also a wonderful collection of stoneware, which I previewed in an article written on March 24, 2016. Here is a link to that story.
There was also an important selection of Connecticut-made furniture, painted tinware, some-of-which had been previously published, baskets, lighting devices, iron toys, early iron, watercolors, burl (including an important published bowl), pearlware, spatterware, mochaware, needlework, chalkware, weathervanes, glass, small utilitarian objects, small decorative objects and plenty more.
I tried to purchase a few of the red earthenware lots; however, I turned into the under-bidder on most of those lots. Nonetheless, I really did not care considering what the sale (and, the day) meant - it was an enjoyable atmosphere, and a wonderful, fun-filled day that celebrated Lewis Scranton's passion and love for antiques that he has collected for most of his life.
Lew sat for the entire auction near the middle of the crowd keeping track of what everything sold for - there were some lots that sold for less than what might have been expected; however, there were other lots that sold for extremely strong prices. Nevertheless, it was a 395 lot auction that brought more than one-million dollars.
Yesterday was a special day. I am very happy that I was able to attend and witness this incredibly rare event. I consider Lew to be a friend, who I have purchased a number of great examples of New England-made red earthenware from that I still cherish today in my private collection.
I should also mention that Lew may have sold his private antique collection, and he says he has no intentions of starting to collect, again, but he will remain active in the antiques business. He has dropped some of the larger national shows that people have visited him at for decades, but he says he will continue to be active at many of the shows in Connecticut and Brimfield, Massachusetts
Note: Here is a link to Skinner's website with the full auction catalog, along with the auction results from the Lewis Scranton Collection.
These are some photos from the auction preview yesterday. The preview was great! Everything was displayed on tables just like an old-fashioned country auction. It was Lew's goal to sell his collection in the type of atmosphere that he remembered when he first entered the antiques industry - and, he certainly achieved that goal. This type of atmosphere rarely exists today in the New England antiques industry.
Lew Scranton's Collection of Red Earthenware
Selection of Red Earthenware in the Lewis Scranton Collection
Selection of Red Earthenware and Slipware in the Lewis Scranton Collection
Selection of Red Earthenware and Slipware in the Lewis Scranton Collection
Selection of Red Earthenware and Slipware in the Lewis Scranton Collection
Selection of Slipware in the Lewis Scranton Collection
Selection of Red Earthenware and Slipware in the Lewis Scranton Collection
Selection of Red Earthenware and Slipware in the Lewis Scranton Collection
Rare Jar and Pitcher Attributed to Southeastern Massachusetts
This wonderful red earthenware jar was also sold yesterday in Lewis Scranton's sale - the jar was made in southeastern Massachusetts, circa 1790-1830. The glaze and form are spectacular!
The jar was unearthed more-than a decade ago by Exeter, Rhode Island auctioneer, Bill Spicer in a Rhode Island home - and, Lew purchased it at one of Bill Spicer's sales.
There are only a few of these jars known to exist today that are decorated with this type of desired glaze. There is also only one pitcher (see below) known with this glaze, which is owned as part of the Lura Woodside Watkins (Early New England Potters and Their Wares) Collection that was just acquired by Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts in 2014.
Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Jar that Sold in Lewis Scranton's Collection
Attributed to Southeastern Massachusetts
Circa 1790-1830
Stands 6" Tall
Previously Found by Rhode Island Auctioneer, Bill Spicer in a Rhode Island Home
Sold to a Private Collector Yesterday
Another View of the Jar
Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Attributed to Southeastern Massachusetts
Circa 1790-1830
Stands Approximately 6" Tall
Lura Woodside Watkins Collection
Photo Courtesy: Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge, Mass.
Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
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