Featured: Ulysse Nardin Royal Blue Mystery Tourbillon limited edition platinum, diamond and sapphire wristwatch; Monumental carved Black Forest clock with five bears; Chiparus bronze, James Bard painting
DENVER, Pa. – Those entering the preview area at Morphy’s flagship gallery in Pennsylvania can almost hear the roars coming from one of the June 11-12 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction’s most eye-catching entries. Standing 79 inches tall and capturing its well-deserved share of attention is a monumental two-panel Black Forest clock whose case is meticulously carved with the images of five bears. Composed of linden wood, a soft wood from Germany’s natural forests that is ideally suited to carving, the clock might very well be described as a masterpiece of its genre.
The motif is a visual delight, with four differently-modeled fully-dimensional bears climbing a pine tree as a fifth bear who has reached the tree’s pinnacle gazes down at them. Throughout, the artist’s attention to detail is obvious, with the trunk and branches fastidiously “grained,” the leaves minutely detailed, and the bears themselves realistically represented with furry coats, painted red tongues and white teeth. In excellent condition, the clock comes to auction with a $10,000-$20,000 estimate.
The Clocks & Watches category shifts from Bavaria to picturesque Switzerland with a boutique selection of coveted Swiss-made timepieces. Leading the group is an exceptionally rare and important Ulysse Nardin Royal Blue Mystery Tourbillon limited edition platinum, diamond and sapphire wristwatch, Ref. No. 7990093. Only 99 watches of its type were made, and the auction example is identified as No. 1 of those 99.
“Ulysse Nardin has been producing timepieces since 1846. Their watches are fit for kings and known to be favored by many high-profile entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities,” said Dan Morphy, founder and president of Morphy Auctions. “Ulysse Nardin is part of the exclusive circle of Swiss watchmakers called the Fondation Haute Horlogerie. Their watches are unique in that they combine cutting-edge technology with a unique heritage of marine chronometry. Collectors of luxury watches know the cachet that comes with the Ulysse Nardin name, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer them the firm’s very first Royal Blue Mystery Tourbillon from its limited edition.” Auction estimate: $150,000-$200,000
Another fine Swiss production is a circa-1967 men’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual 200m/660ft Submariner 40mm watch in stainless steel with a black dial and bezel insert. Its Ref. No. is 5512 and its Serial No. is 1585764. It has an Oyster bracelet with a 10-hole clasp marked 9315 on its last link, 6521H on its clasp blade, and the date-code 1/68 on the opposite clasp blade, with 380 ends. In VG-Excellent condition, it carries a $14,000-$20,000 estimate.
The Fine Jewelry section is topped by a gorgeous platinum multicolor sapphire and diamond necklace with 100 genuine unheated mixed brilliant-cut sapphires having a total weight of 124.19cts. The largest of the colored gems measures approximately 12mm x 10mm. Adding to the glamour aspect are 216 natural round brilliant-cut diamonds with a total weight of 3.06cts. The elegant 18-inch-long (clasped) necklace has a gross weight of 84.9 grams and is marked Oscar Friedman PT950 SA124.19ct D3.06ct. It will convey to its new owner with the original GIA Sapphire Report and AIGL Appraisal Report showing an estimated retail replacement value of $432,500. Auction estimate: $60,000-$90,000
Some think of Morphy’s as “The House of Tiffany” because of its long tradition of offering rare and especially fine Tiffany Studios leaded-glass lamps. A glorious example in the June 11-12 sale is a table lamp with an 18-inch-diameter shade in the Oriental Poppy floral pattern. The motif displays multicolored reds, ranging from deep ruby red to coral and highly complex tones of mixed reds, with blues and purples interspersed. In excellent condition, the shade is signed Tiffany Studios New York 2598 and rests on a patinated-bronze Tiffany Studios Tyler-style base whose underside is signed Tiffany Studios New York 368. Estimate: $125,000-$175,000
A classic expression of mid-19th-century Americana, a James Bard (American, 1815-1897) nautical oil-on-canvas was created around 1853 and is titled U.S. Mail Paddle Steamer George Law. It is signed at its lower right Picture drawn & painted by James Bard, N.Y. The jaunty depiction of a patriotically-themed vessel crossing a lake measures 31¼ inches by 51¼ inches (sight) and is the very example illustrated in the book J. & J. Bard: Picture Painters by A.J. Peluso Jr. A receipt attached to the back of the painting indicates it was purchased for $75,000 from Northeast Auctions in 2001. It comes to auction at Morphy’s with a $40,000-$80,000 estimate.
The American art selection continues with a wonderful circa-1880s Samuel Robb full-size cigar store Indian wearing a V-shape headdress (a Robb characteristic) and holding packages of cigars and tobacco. Masterfully sculpted and painted in a subtle color palette, this all-original 78-inch-tall figure is fresh to the market and likely to settle in the $20,000-$50,000 range.
Although it does not bear an advertising slogan or message, a Villeroy & Boch (Germany) terracotta Santa figure might attract crossover interest from antique advertising fans in addition to those who collect Christmas antiques. The 52-inch-tall figure is pictured in the manufacturer’s 1900 catalog and is believed to have been made for a department store to display in its front window. It has scrupulously detailed facial features and is finished in tasteful colors. The Christmas gift-giver holds a fir tree in one of his hands and stands on a custom-made wood base. The small hooks affixed to its side may have been included in the design for the purpose of hanging ornaments or candy. In excellent condition and one of few known examples, this fresh-to-the-market treasure is estimated at $20,000-$30,000.
Many elusive Amphora ceramics have passed through the doors of Morphy’s gallery, and that tradition will continue on June 11 when 34 pieces of the desirable Czech pottery crosses the auction block. Among the top highlights is a possible “unicorn,” an extremely rare Amphora vase decorated with the scene of a double-headed water serpent fighting a mythological prehistoric fish. The vessel stands 16½ inches tall, has an attractive iridized glaze to its body, and bears all of the requisite Amphora markings. This is not a piece that would not be easy to forget, yet there is no record of its ever having appeared at auction before, and further, it is not illustrated in any Amphora reference book. In mint condition, it will make its auction debut with a $12,000-$18,000 estimate.
Another prized European artwork is a cold-painted patinated bronze figure by Demetre Chiparus (Romanian/French, 1886-1947) titled Les Amis Toujours (Friends Forever). Executed circa 1925, the tableau depicts a lady with two hounds on an onyx base. It is signed Chiparus on the base and the skirt is stamped 204 / BRONZE and MADE IN FRANCE with the foundry seal L.N. / PARIS / J.L. Its size (inclusive of base) is 25¼ by 6¾ by 25 inches, it is in mint condition and is similar to examples pictured in three respected reference books. Estimate: $20,000-$30,000
Other noteworthy lots from the widely varied auction lineup include an incredible 9lb 7oz Mexican Laguna Agate mineral specimen showing predominant shades of pink and purple in a natural fantasy design, $5,000-$10,000; and an 1893-S PCGS CAC VF30 Morgan Silver Dollar, estimate: $5,000-$8,000
Morphy’s Wednesday/Thursday June 11-12, 2025 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction will be held live at Morphy’s gallery, 2000 N. Reading Rd., Denver, PA 17517, starting at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. Jewelry/watches preview by appointment only. All forms of bidding will be available, including absentee, by phone and live via the Internet through Morphy Live. Enquiries: call 877-968-8880, email info@morphyauctions.com. Visit Morphy’s online at www.morphyauctions.com.
CAPTIONS:
All images courtesy of Morphy Auctions
1019 –
https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/JAMES_BARD__AMERICAN__1815_1897_-LOT633317.aspx
James Bard (American, 1815-1897), ‘U.S. Mail Paddle Steamer George Law,’ circa 1853, oil on canvas, signed lower right ‘Picture drawn & painted by James Bard, N.Y.’ Size: 31¼in x 51¼in (sight). Illustrated in ‘J. & J. Bard: Picture Painters’ by A.J. Peluso Jr. Provenance: Receipt attached on verso indicates $75,000 purchase from Northeast Auctions in 2001. Estimate: $40,000-$80,000
1181 –
Ladies’ platinum multicolor sapphire and diamond necklace with 100 genuine unheated mixed brilliant-cut sapphires, total weight of 124.19cts, the largest measuring approximately 12mm x 10mm; and 216 natural round brilliant-cut diamonds with total weight of 3.06cts. Length: 18in (clasped). Gross weight: 84.9 grams. Back of clasp marked ‘Oscar Friedman PT950 SA124.19ct D3.06ct.’ Accompanied by original GIA Sapphire Report and AIGL Appraisal Report indicating estimated retail replacement value of $432,500. Auction estimate: $60,000-$90,000
1248 –
Rare and important Ulysse Nardin Royal Blue Mystery Tourbillon limited edition platinum, diamond and sapphire wristwatch, Ref. No. 7990093, #1 of only 99 made. Case in solid 950 platinum, 43mm diameter with 41mm diamond bezel. Total of 192 round brilliant-cut diamonds set into watch with 12 round, faceted blue sapphire hour markers set into the rehaut. Manual winding movement, Caliber UN-79, 12 1/4in 16 jewels, main plate in sapphire. Comes with presentation case with ‘Limited Edition No 1/99’ plaque, numbered Certificate of Limited Edition, outer packaging, hang tag, price tag, International Guarantee Certificate and International Guarantee booklet. Watch underwent full factory service in Switzerland in March 2025 (receipt included). Excellent working order. Estimate: $150,000-$250,000
1250 –
Circa-1967 men’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual 200m/660ft Submariner 40mm watch in stainless steel with black dial and bezel insert. Ref. No. 5512, Serial #1585764. Oyster bracelet with 10-hole clasp marked ‘9315’ on last link, ‘6521H’ on clasp blade, date-coded ‘1/68’ on opposite clasp blade with ‘380’ ends. Marked with misspelled ‘PATETED’ with Rolex logo. Dial marked ‘SWISS-T<25’ with original lumes. VG-Excellent condition. Estimate: $14,000-$20,000
1419 –
Rare Tiffany Studios leaded-glass table lamp with 18in-diameter shade in Oriental Poppy floral pattern. Motif displays multicolored reds, ranging from deep ruby red to coral and highly complex tones of mixed reds, with blues and purples interspersed. Excellent-condition shade, signed ‘Tiffany Studios New York 2598,’ rests on patinated-bronze Tiffany Studios Tyler-style base whose underside is signed ‘Tiffany Studios New York 368.’ Height: 25in. Estimate: $125,000-$175,000
1477 –
Extremely rare Amphora vase decorated with scene of double-headed water serpent fighting mythological prehistoric fish. Subtle iridized glaze to body. Vase may be the only known example, as it is not illustrated in any Amphora reference books and has never before appeared at auction. Markings include Amphora Oval, Crown, Austria Oval, and the impressed numbers ‘4541’ and ’30.’ Height: 16½ in. Mint condition. Estimate: $12,000-$18,000
1586 –
https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/MEXICAN_LAGUNA_AGATE-LOT637778.aspx
Incredible Mexican Laguna Agate geological specimen, the mineral showing predominant shades of pink and purple in a natural fantasy design. Width: 7in. Weight: 9lbs 7oz. Excellent condition. Estimate: $5,000-$10,000
2109 –
https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/1893_S_PCGS_CAC_VF30_MORGAN_SILVER_DOLLAR-LOT635678.aspx
1893-S PCGS CAC VF30 Morgan Silver Dollar. Estimate: $5,000-$8,000
2246 –
https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/DEMETRE_CHIPARUS__1886_1947_-LOT639377.aspx
Demetre Chiparus (1886-1947), ‘Les Amis Toujours’ (Friends Forever), circa-1925 cold-painted patinated bronze figure of lady and two hounds on onyx base. Signed ‘Chiparus’ on base, skirt stamped ‘204 / BRONZE,’ ‘MADE IN FRANCE,’ and with foundry seal ‘L.N. / PARIS / J.L.’ Size (inclusive of base): 25¼ x 6¾ by 25in. Mint condition, missing one earring. Similar to examples shown in three respected reference books. Estimate: $20,000-$30,000
2409 –
Monumental Black Forest carved two-panel grandfather clock with five bears and pine tree, 79in tall. Excellent condition. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000
2443 –
https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/TERRACOTTA_SANTA_FIGURE_BY_VILLORY___BOCH-LOT633326.aspx
Villeroy & Boch (Germany) terracotta Santa figure, 52in tall, believed to have been made for a department store to feature in front window. Pictured in manufacturer’s 1900 catalog. Scrupulously detailed facial features, beautiful colors. Figure holds fir tree in hand and stands on custom-made wood base. Small hooks running up the figure’s side may have been for hanging ornaments or candy. Excellent condition, one of few known examples. Estimate: $20,000-$30,000
2444 –
Circa-1880s Samuel Robb full-size cigar store Indian wearing V-shape headdress (a Robb characteristic) and holding a package of cigars and packages of tobacco. Masterfully sculpted, painted in appealing subtle color palette. All-original condition. Fresh-to-the-market. Height: 78 inches. Estimate: $20,000-$50,000
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