November 2016 – Jasper52

First Edition Books: What Every Book Collector Needs to Know

November 30, 2016

Nothing gets a book collector’s pulse racing faster than the discovery of a first edition – especially a rare one by a famous author. But how can you be sure that a book is, indeed, a first edition? Deciphering the clues can be perplexing, especially if you’re a novice bibliophile.

To learn more about first editions, we turned to book expert Bruce MacMakin, who is Senior Vice President of the San Francisco auction house PBA Galleries. PBA specializes in fine antiquarian and collectible books, autographed ephemera, and works on paper.

How does one identify a first edition?
Each publisher has its own way of identifying first editions of its publications, and even those are not always consistent, especially when taken over a span of years or decades. Many state “First Edition,” usually on the copyright page, which is generally the back of the title page. For some, such as Putnam, the absence of any indication of later printings means it is a first edition. Beginning in 1929, Scribner’s placed an “A” on the copyright page of first editions. If the date on the title page of Houghton Mifflin publications matched that on the copyright page, and there were no indications of later printings, that meant it was a first edition. And English publications generally would state “First Published in [year].” These do change over the years, and more recently publishers have become less mysterious in their modes of indicating a first edition.

“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” by L. Frank Baum, published by George M. Hill Co., First Edition, Second state, 1900. PBA Galleries. Estimate: $700-$1,000

What can be learned from the printer’s key, and where is that found on a book?
The printer’s key, also known as the number line, is a line of text printed on the copyright page (the verso of the title page) of books. It is used to indicate the print run. Publishers started to use this convention around the middle of the 20th century. An example follows: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. After the first printing, the 1 would be removed, so the lowest number would be the 2, indicating a second printing, or print run, and so on. Sometimes there is a series of years, to indicate the year in which the book was printed. Note that Random House did not, for many years, use the 1, so if 2 was the lowest number on one of their books, it was a first printing.

What is the difference between a “first edition” and a “first edition, first impression,” and is there a great deal of difference in value between the two? Is a first impression identified as such in the front of a book?
A first edition may go through a number of impressions, or printings. The edition is the way the book is set up, with movable type in the days of letterpress, through photo typesetting for offset, and digital printing of today. The first printing, or impression, is the first print run from the original printing plates (regardless of their form or the mode of printing). Subsequent printings from substantially the same setting of type, even if there are minor typographical changes or variations, can still be considered first editions, but bibliographic honesty dictates that the fact of a later printing be noted. Later printings are often indicated, as in the number key, but there are also many cases where later printings are determined by more obscure means, varying by publisher or even individual book. There are usually substantial differences in value between first and later printings of a book.

Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises,” Scribners 1926, First Edition, Faux dust cover. Jasper52. Estimate: $300-$500

What are some of the most valuable first editions?
The value of modern first editions is closely tied to the presence of, and condition of, the dust jacket. Most books from the 20th century and thereafter originally came out with dust jackets, and some of the earlier examples can be quite scarce and valuable. As an extreme example, a first edition copy of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, in dust jacket, has sold for as much as $310,000 at auction, whereas copies without the dust jacket usually go for around $2,000 to $3,000. Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises can bring as much as $130,000 in dust jacket, but less than a thousand without. Books signed or inscribed by their authors also can bring a premium. One of the most notable examples is a fairly modern author, Thomas Pynchon, who is notoriously unwilling to sign books. An inscribed copy of Gravity’s Rainbow has brought $15,000 at auction, whereas copies not signed or inscribed top out at around $1,000, depending on condition, particularly of the dust jacket.

If you were a beginning collector and wanted to focus on modern first editions but didn’t have a great deal of money to spend, which titles or genres would you recommend to them?
There are many reasons and strategies collectors employ when acquiring modern first editions. Some collect the first books of many different authors, others seek books that have won Pulitzer Prizes or similar awards, and some focus on what are considered “high spots” of literature. But for a beginning collector, I would recommend collecting books by an author whose works you enjoy reading and which have meaning to you. One does not have to be wealthy, or even comfortably well off, to find collecting books an enjoyable and intellectually stimulating activity. Many collectors have begun by accumulating paperbacks and reading copies, then moving on to first editions and copies with dust jackets. Usually an author’s later books can be readily acquired at modest prices. As collectors progress, they will then work backwards towards the rarer, more expensive early books. Then there are inscribed and signed copies, uncorrected proofs, limited editions of some of the works, even the original manuscripts for the advanced and better-heeled collectors. ‘Completists’ can branch out to periodical appearances, illustrated editions, omnibus printings, fine press editions, and so on and so on. Finally, when satiated, one can move on to the next author of choice.

Bruce MacMakin is senior vice president of PBA Galleries in San Francisco. The son of a printer, MacMakin began his career in the book-auction trade at California Book Auction Galleries in 1978, fresh out of college. It was an unplanned diversion that has lasted 38 years and counting. In 1992, MacMakin became a founding member of Pacific Book Auction Galleries, now PBA Galleries. His areas of expertise range from early incunabula and rare manuscripts to hyper-modern fiction and The Wizard of Oz.

Attention Star Wars Fans: You Could Own Your Very Own Jedi Lightsaber

November 29, 2016

This is not a drill. An epic collection of Star Wars toys is featured in this week’s Jasper52 sale. The Force is strong throughout this entire collection, but we’re going to highlight a few of the standouts. Perhaps you’ll have a few extra presents under your Christmas tree this year.

An authentic Anakin Skywalker Jedi Lightsaber signed by Star Wars creator and director George Lucas is a highly coveted item in the auction. The seller won the lightsaber in a 2002 contest sponsored by British grocery and general merchandise retailer Tesco, and provided documentation from Industrial Light and Magic confirming its authenticity. The lightsaber comes in a clear display case. It is estimated at $6,000-$8,000.

George Lucas-signed Anakin Skywalker Jedi Lightsaber, numbered 1 of 1. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000.

Imagine waking up to the voice of Princess Leia or Luke Skywalker. It is possible with a Star Wars talking alarm clock by Bradley Time. The clock, which has a $200-$300 estimate, is in mint condition in the original box.

Star Wars talking alarm clock by Bradley Time, mint in the box with instructions. Estimate: $200-$300

Relive the Star Wars story in 112 slides with Kenner’s famous Give-A-Show projector, which was re-tooled for the Star Wars franchise. The boxed toy with the slides has a $300-$400 estimate.

Star Wars Give-A-Show Projector, Kenner, Star Wars saga in 112 color slides. Estimate: $300-$400

The Star Wars Empire Strikes Back Rebel Transport Vehicle is a rare model from the series’ second installment. This toy in its original box carries a $1,300-$1,500 estimate.

Star Wars Empire Strikes Back Rebel Transport Vehicle, factory sealed in mint condition. Estimate: $1,300-$1,500

And we know you’re not too old to play with dolls. Another rarity in this auction is a Star Wars Early Bird action figures set from 1978. Still sealed in original clear plastic bags, these figures are expected to forge their way to $40,000-$45,000.

Rare Star Wars Early Bird action figure set, 1978. Estimate: $40,000-$45,000

Interested in all of these and more? The auction contains dozens of Star Wars boxed toys and action figures, many in the original boxes. Find your favorites here and register to bid.

7 Woodblock Prints Where the Beauty of Japan Shines Through

November 28, 2016

The landscapes, traditions and customs of 19th and 20th century Japan are depicted in this stunning collection of Japanese woodblock prints. Whether capturing the serenity of a temple or a moonlit seashore, these images exemplify both fine art and elegant decoration. With many renowned Japanese artists featured in this auction, the true beauty of Japanese landscape and culture shine through, most especially in these 7 prints below:

‘Beauties by River before Cherry Blossoms’ by Kitigawa Utamaro

Kitigawa Utamaro (1753-1806) was one of the most highly regarded practitioners of the ukiyo-e genre of woodblock prints, especially for his portraits of beautiful women, or bijin-ga.

Kitigawa Utamaro, ‘Beauties by River before Cherry Blossoms,’ 1800, Oban design, 10 x 15.5 inches. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000

‘Ogiya Yugiri, Fujiya Izaemon’ by Kitigawa Utamaro

Another highly regarded woodblock print by Kitigawa Utamaro titled Yugiri of the Ogiya and Fujiya Izaemon (Ogiya Yugiri, Fujiya Izaemon) comes from his series ‘The True Feelings Compared.’

Kitigawa Utamaro, ‘ Yugiri of the Ogiya and Fujiya Izaemon (Ogiya Yugiri, Fujiya Izaemon),’ 1798-1800, 9.5 x 14.75 inches. Estimate: $3,500-$4,000

‘Rain’ by Torii Kotondo

Also known for depicting beautiful women – only two centuries later – was Torii Kotondo (1900-1976). He was specially trained in the tradition of kabuki actor portraits, and translated this training into his famous portraits of women.

Torii Kotondo, ‘Rain,’ 1930, 11.75 x 18 inches, published by Sakai and Kawaguchi with first edition seal, numbered 104/200, embossed title in bottom margin. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000

‘Snow at Pond’s Edge’ by Hasui Kawase

Another leading artist in the auction is Hasui Kawase (1883-1957) who became a prominent figure in the shin-hanga (“new prints”) movement of the early 20th century. This movement was influenced by European Impressionism and its imagery focused on landscapes, women, and nature.

Hasui Kawase, ‘Snow at Pond’s Edge,’ 1920, published by Watanabe from the series Mitsubishi Villa at Fukugawa, pre-earthquake edition. Estimate: $5,000-$6,500

‘Evening Snow at Ishonomaki’ by Kawase Hasui

One of the most prominent print designers of the shin-hanga movement was Kawase Hasui (1883-1957), whose series “Collected Views of Japan” is represented in the auction.

Kawase Hasui, ‘Evening Snow at Ishonomaki (Ishinomaki no bosetsu),’ 1935, Oban design 10 x 15.5 inches. Estimate: $2,800-$3,200

‘Cherry Blossoms’ by Toshi Yoshida

Toshi Yoshida (1911-1995) was a Japanese printmaking artist associated with the sosaku-hanga movement, the avant-garde movement of the 1950s-1970s. His woodblock print titled Cherry Blossoms may present an affordable approach to this field of art collecting.

Toshi Yoshida, ‘Cherry Blossoms,’ Oban. Estimate: $150-$200

‘Pagoda in Sunset’ by Ido Masao

Ido Masao is a contemporary Japanese printmaker known for his powerful images of Japanese subjects, including gardens, views of landmarks, theater, and Japanese villages. In this Pagoda in Sunset print from 1980, Masao highlights the beauty of a typical Japanese scene.

Ido Masao, ‘Pagoda in Sunset,’ 1980. Estimate: $150-$200

Don’t miss out on this stunning selection – view the fully illustrated catalog and bid on LiveAuctioneers.

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Ernest Hemingway

November 22, 2016

Novelist, short story writer and journalist Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) was one of America’s most accomplished and influential writers of the 20th century. His economical and understated style influenced scores of writers who followed, and many of his works are considered literary classics.

‘The Sun Also Rise,’ one of three early edition books by Ernest Hemingway. Estimate: $50-$150

It has been said that Hemingway’s work focused on themes of love, war, wilderness and loss. His first novel, The Sun Also Rises, tells the story of a group of American and British expats who traveled from Paris to Pamplona, Spain, to watch the running of the bulls. Although some critics gave it a lukewarm review, the New York Times wrote in 1926, the year of the book’s publication, “No amount of analysis can convey the quality of The Sun Also Rises. It is a truly gripping story, told in a lean, hard, athletic narrative prose that puts more literary English to shame.” The book has never been out of print.

‘The Old Man & Sea,’ Ernest Hemingway, First Club Edition, 1952. Estimate: $15-$30

The Old Man and the Sea, Hemingway’s tale of an aging Cuban fisherman’s struggle with a giant marlin off the coast of Florida, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1952. It was the last of Hemingway’s major works of fiction to be published in his lifetime.

Hemingway cultivated a life of adventure, immersing himself in the atmosphere of numerous exotic ports of call, including Africa and the Caribbean islands. During the 1920s, he took up residence in Paris, a place where his American dollars would go a long way and, more importantly, where he would encounter “interesting people” – artists like Picasso, Miro and Gris; and writers such as James Joyce and Gertrude Stein, who became his mentor. Hemingway later maintained permanent homes in Cuba (1930s) and Key West (1940s/’50s). In 1959, he acquired a property in Ketchum, Idaho. It was there that Hemingway died in 1961 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

‘A Portrait of Mister Papa,’ by author Malcolm Cowley for Life Magazine, January 10, 1949. Estimate: $15-$30

Although much has been written about his remarkable life and peerless body of work, here are five things you may not have known about the writer known affectionately as “Papa Hemingway.”

He was a volunteer ambulance driver for the Allied Powers in Italy during World War I.
In 1918 he received the Italian Silver Medal of Bravery for assisting Italian soldiers to safety, even though he had just been seriously wounded by mortar fire while trying to get cigarettes and candy to troops on the front lines.
Hemingway kept dozens of cats at his Cuban property, but it was a white, six-toed cat he received from a ship’s captain that began the many generations of similar six- and seven-toed cats at Hemingway House in Key West. Descendants of the original cats continue to live on the premises.
Hemingway was almost killed in two successive airplane crashes while on safari in Africa in 1952.
There’s a life-size bronze statue of Hemingway inside El Floridita bar in Havana, with a framed photo of the author with Fidel Castro on the wall behind it.

Whether you’re a veteran collector of Hemingway, or just getting started, be sure to bid in this curated Hemingway Book Auction.

6 Hand-Crafted Artisan Works to Make You Feel At Home

November 21, 2016

We’re going home for the holidays this week and the Americana auction is getting us ready. Hand-crafted works by artisans as well as self-taught artists comprise this delightful sale featuring more than 60 household artworks describe the everyday American experience during the 19th and 20th centuries. Hand-sculpted jugs, well-loved game boards, and vintage advertising all bring back memories of a simpler time.

These six hand-crafted works create a sense of welcome in any home:

19th Century Barber Shop Sign

‘Barber Shop’ sign, Pennsylvania, 1880s, tin and wood. Estimate: $1,100-$1,300

A barbershop trade sign from the days when a shave and a haircut cost “two bits” (25 cents) is just one of several pieces of vintage advertising in the auction.

Lanier Meaders’ Face Jug

One of the most famous names in North Carolina folk art pottery is Lanier Meaders, and the auction features a fine example of the face jugs that earned him and his family national recognition in the latter half of the 20th century.

Lanier Meaders (1917-1998), North Carolina, face jug. Estimate: $900-$1,200

Horse and Rider Whirligig

Folk art carvings are often fun and whimsical. A fine example is a horse and rider whirligig made by an unknown artisan from Ohio in the late 19th century.

Horse and rider whirligig, Ohio, painted wood and metal, late 19th century, included in ‘American Folk Sculpture’ by Robert Bishop. Estimate; $2,800-$4,000

Hand-Carved J.W. Walker Figure

One of our favorites from the sale is a J.W. Walker 2-foot-tall folk art figure of a well-dressed gentleman, which was carved by in early 20th century.

Hand-carved folk art figure, J.W. Walker, early 20th century, original paint, 24 x 4 x 7 inches. Estimate: $650-$1,400. Jasper52 image

Brass Honesty Box

An unusual brass tobacco box is noteworthy. It is sometimes called an “honesty box” because customers would insert a coin and fill their pipes with tobacco. These boxes were found in 19th century pubs.

Pub tobacco box, 19th century, brass, 9 1/2 x 7 x 4 3/4 inches. Estimate: $600-$700

Frog Bank

Although cast-iron mechanical banks were mass-produced, these ingeniously designed toys have earned their place in American folk art. A nice example is original paint is this Frog Bank.

Mechanical Frog Bank, cast iron with original paint, late 1880s, 8 x 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches. Estimate: $600-$900

As in all Jasper52 auctions bidding starts at just $1. Take a look at this comforting collection and place your bids.

5 Unique Finds in This Rare Book Auction

November 16, 2016

Rare books and documents dating from the 16th to the 20th century are highlighted in this week’s upcoming book auction. With subjects spanning from design to Jungian psychology, this collection will ignite your imagination and broaden your horizons. Below you’ll find 5 hidden gems in this sale.

**Signed Mountain Interval by Robert Frost**

Poetry lovers will be interested in this 1924 printing of Mountain Interval by Robert Frost, which is signed by the author under his crossed-out name on the title page. The 74-page volume of poetry is estimated at $1,000-$1,500.

‘Mountain Interval,’ signed by poet Robert Frost, published by Henry Holt, 1924 printing (first published in 1916). Estimate: $1,000-$1,500

Freedom and Responsibility in the American Way of Life by Carl Becker

What makes a first edition of Carl Becker’s Freedom and Responsibility in the American Way of Life special are its unique signatures. The book is signed by both American authors and political activists Helen Keller and Clare Booth Luce. Knopf published the hardcover book in 1945. Lacking the dust jacket, this book is estimated at $400-$600.

First edition of ‘Freedom and Responsibility in the American Way of Life,’ by Carl Becker, from the library of and signed by Clare Booth Luce as well as Helen Keller, Knopf, 1945. Estimate: $450-$600

Signature of King Louis XIV

The signature of King Louis XIV of France is found on a document dated 1694. The framed document is also signed by chancellor Michel Le Tellier. It carries a $1,000-$1,250 estimate.

Louis XIV of France signed document, 1694. Estimate: $1,000-$1,250

Native Son by Richard Wright

This first edition Native Son by Richard Wright, published by Harper & Brothers in 1940 will appeal to the modern collectors. It is offered with a $100-$200 estimate.

First edition of ‘Native Son,’ by Richard Wright, Harper & Brothers, 1940. Estimate: $100-$200

Ackermann’s Poetical Magazine

A handsome four-volume set of Ackermann’s Poetical Magazine, 1809 is featured this week. This illustrated set contains the first appearance of the famous poem by William Combe featuring the great Dr. Syntax and his horse Grizzle. The four volumes are bound in half calf over marbled boards with oxblood morocco spine labels.

‘Ackermann’s Poetical Magazine, Dedicated to the Lovers of the Muse by the Agent of the Goddess’ by Rudolph Ackermann, 1809. Estimate: $700-$1,000

Looking for your book treasure? Discover more unique items in this 16th-20th century book auction.

13 Japanese Woodblock Prints To Prepare for Winter

November 16, 2016

Whether we’re ready for it or not, winter is coming. To prepare ourselves for the upcoming chilly season, we’ve collected a group of gorgeous winter scenes in selected Japanese prints.

“In much the same way that the Japanese go out in springtime to admire the cherry blossoms, the beauty of snow invites people to come out and admire the winter season,” according to Dieuwke Eijer, Japanese print expert. Further, “Images of cold winter, as indicated by snow scenes, invoke on the one hand feelings of melancholy, and on the other good feelings of bowls of hot noodles, and other typical winter sweet and delicacies.”

“Hiroshige alone made over 1500 different winter scenes. The works incorporate a juxtaposition of the hardships endured by mid-19th century workers and travelers and the serenity of a snow-covered landscape. Despite the palpable discomfort of the situations portrayed, there is always an element of beauty visible.”

These 13 prints below highlight the natural beauty of the upcoming winter season. Bundle up and enjoy.

“Kyoto in Snow” by Ito Yuhan

Kyoto in Snow by artist Ito Yuhan, 1930s. Sold for $425

“Kiso Gorge in Snow” by Hiroshige

Kiso Gorge in Snow Triptych by Hiroshige, 1857. Estimate: $400-$500

Kiso Gorge in Snow Triptych by Hiroshige, 1857. Sold for $340

“Falling in Snow” by Hirokage

Falling in Snow by artist Utagawa Hirokage, 1860. Estimate: $200-$300

“Snow at Shiba Daimon” by Hasui Kawase

Snow at Shiba Daimon by artist Hasui Kawase, 1936. Published posthumously by Watanabe. Sold for $280

“Mt Fuji in Snow” by Tomikichiro Tokuriki

Mt. Fuji in Snow by artist Tomikichiro Tokuriki, 1939. No. 16 from the series The Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji

“Winter Landscape with Crows” by Yamamoto Shoun

Winter Landscape with Crows by artist Yamamoto Shoun, 1900-1910. Sold for $160

“Mallard in Snow” by Ohara Koson

Mallard in Snow by Ohara Koson, 1910. Sold for $110

“Snow at Nezu Shrine” by Koitsu Tsuchiya

Snow at Nezu Shrine by artist Koitsu Tsuchiya, 1950-1963. Yokoi/Harada seal, Early Edition published by Doi. Sold for $260

“Imperial Palace in Snow” by Eiichi Kotozuka

Imperial Palace in Snow by artist Eiichi Kotozuka, 1950. Sold for $85

“Itsukushima Shrine in Inland Sea” by Hasui Kawase

Tyobu-Torii of Itsukushima Shrine in Inland Sea by Hasui Kawase, 1936. Published by Watanabe for the book “Shinto and its Architecture.” Sold for $100

“Sawatari in Joshu District” by Takahashi Shotei

Sawatari in Joshu District by Takahashi Shotei, 1936. Sold for $150

“Honganji Temple in Snow” by Kotozuka Hiichi

Honganji Temple in Snow by artist Kotozuka Hiichi, 1950s. Sold for $180

“Hazy Moon on a Snowy Night” by Takahashi Shotei

Hazy Moon on a Snowy Night by Takahashi Shotei, 1936. Sold for $360

Find a wintery Japanese woodblock print for your collection in this week’s Jasper52 auction.

Getting Hooked on Rare Books: 3 Experts Share Their Stories

November 14, 2016

From the time you learn to read as a child, you are invited to explore new cultures and discover new worlds through books. This nostalgic root of reading is core to why antiquarian and rare books are eternally popular, even despite the rise of e-readers and the Internet. But how does one make the leap from book lover to rare book obsessor? We reached out to three rare book experts and asked them to answer our burning question: What was the first book that got you hooked on rare books and collecting?

Angel Webster, Specialist in the New Rare Books

By Source, Fair use

I read Moby Dick in High School and then wrote an essay on it to help me get into a good college. I got an A and I moved on. And on and on. I couldn’t wait to leave my small town. The next thing I knew I was 40 and there it was one day in front of me…a First Edition of Moby Dick. The book that I used to get me into college. It was squat, battered and faded. It looked like a tired, useless, old, used book. Moby Dick — where all Americans are represented as afloat, isolated on the waters, in danger, working, struggling, suffering — but as one tireless unit. And it was complete, that love I had for it, how it, like me, had struggled to exist and be seen and read, against all odds.

The first book in my collection was “The Old Huntsman and Other Poems” by Siegfried Sassoon. Second American Printing, 1920. I discovered it in a corner section of books in a used furniture store. Books from that era are hard to spot but if you squint your eyes and look for bland, buckram spines, you sometimes get lucky.

Erik DuRon, Rare Book Expert

By Glenn Cravath – http://www.fullyarticulated.com/page30/page36/page35/page24/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49572764

The first book I bought for myself, when I was 8, was an Ace paperback reprint of the novelization of the original King Kong film from the 1930s. I found it in a spinning rack at an old drugstore in Greenwich Village, the kind of place with a mosaic tile floor and glass jars on wooden shelves behind the counter. The dusty, slightly medicinal smell of the place is forever associated in my mind with books. I still have that paperback.

Jennifer Robertson, Book and Paper Conservator

Via @bookandpaperconservation on Instagram

I don’t know if there was one particular book I could trace to, but when I started a part-time job at a used book store that also dealt in antiquarian books, my world was changed.

At the time, I came from a fine art background, so I started working with prints, maps and ephemera. But they got me cataloguing some of the rare books as well, and the tactility of the materials – leather, cords, parchment, gold tooling, etc. – really captured my attention.

Working at that bookstore led me to a career in conservation, where I now specialize in the conservation and restoration of fine art on paper, archival materials and rare books. I work privately and treat items for a variety of museums, libraries and archives, as well as private collectors. So, I own very few rare books myself, but I feel that every time that passes through my studio is a little bit mine, for a short time.

One of my biggest thrills was when, during an internship position, I worked on a page from the Gutenberg Bible. Not many people in the world can say they’ve handled a piece of history like that!

What got you hooked on book collecting? Do you have a distinct memory of the first book you collected? Share your stories with us on Twitter @ByJasper52 – We can’t wait to hear and retweet our favorites.

11 Decorative Antiques Perfect for Thanksgiving

November 9, 2016

Thanksgiving is fast approaching. This quintessential American holiday commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621. It’s a time for reuniting with friends and family and sharing a beautiful feast. Everyone has their unique Thanksgiving traditions – whether sitting around a set table, or making due with fold out stools and eating buffet-style.

From elegant tableware to heirloom-worthy serving pieces, these Decorative Arts and Americana pieces are the perfect pieces to get us in the Thanksgiving mindset.

Vintage Soup Tureen

Get the party started with a soup course served in this vintage French soup tureen. Butternut squash soup or a creamy mushroom?

Henriot Quimper French Vintage Faience Soup Tureen, 1950. Sold for $260

French Faience Cheese Board

For everyone who enjoys a cheese course at their Thanksgiving meal, this is perfection.

French Faience Cheese Board made by Henriot Quimper. Sold by $20

French Antique Meat Platter

Serve your delicious slices of turkey on this stunning French antique meat platter with a blue rouen pattern.

French Antique Blue Rouen Pattern Faience Meat Platter, circa 1900. Estimate: $100-$150

French Vallauris Majolica Tomato Condiment Set

Because your condiments deserve to be presented beautifully as well.

3 Piece Set Mid Century French Vallauris Pottery Majolica Tomatoes Ceramic Condiment Set, 1950. Estimate: $100-$150

Art Deco Glass Water Pitcher

It’s likely your guests will be thirsty, and pouring water out of something so elegant is a true delight.

French Art Deco Pressed Glass Water Pitcher. Estimate: $100-$150

Glass Dessert Mold

A full dessert table, with pies and jell-o molds, is something we’re all looking forward to.

Pressed Glass Dessert and Gelatin Mold. Estimate: $100-$150

Porcelain Gilded Swan Cups with Saucers

These will surely add a level of elegance to your coffee and dessert course.

Set of seven porcelain gilded cups shaped as swans with matching saucers, circa 1810. Sold for $1,600

Art Deco Liquor Glasses

Because it is likely you’re going to need a stronger beverage after your family time. It’s inevitable.

Set of 9 French Art Deco Etched Liquor Glasses, circa 1930. Sold for $120

Pewter Floral Vase

For some additional decor, freshen up the table with flowers in this gorgeous pewter vase.

French Jean Goardere Art Pewter Stylized Floral Vase, circa 1950. Estimate: $100-$150

Tramp Art Frame

And what’s a Thanksgiving without a family portrait? Display your family pictures in this 1930s tramp art frame.

Tramp Art Frame, circa 1930s. Sold for $70

American Flag Quilt

A comfortable and stunning way to celebrate America on Thanksgiving day.

20th Century Quilt with graphic rows of American flags. Sold for $200

Looking for more decorative arts and Americana antiques for Thanksgiving and the holidays? Be sure to check Jasper52’s weekly sales.

Vintages Watches and Timepieces with Bold Design

November 8, 2016

From Cartier to Rolex, world-class Swiss, French and American timepiece manufacturers have created watches with bold designs and precision movements. Take a look at some of the beautiful pieces featured in this week’s watch auction.

Ranking at the top of the auction estimates is a rare Tiffany & Co. Piaget model 924-C4, in an 18K gold and bracelet. It is one of the thinnest movements made by Piaget. This stunning watch carries a $10,000-$12,000 estimate.

Piaget Tiffany & Co. 18K gold watch, model Piaget/924-C4, serial no. 88490. Estimate: $10,500-$12,000

A LeCoultre eight-day desk clock has attracted much attention. This handsome gold-plated timepiece from the 1960s has a $900-$1,200 estimate.

LeCoultre eight-day desk clock, manual movement, 1960s. Estimate: $900-$1,200

Also by LeCoultre, the renowned Swiss luxury watch and clock maker, is a Memovox alarm watch in a gold-filled case, estimated at $1,000-$1,500.

LeCoultre Memovox alarm watch, circa 1960, gold-filled case. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500

One of the earliest items in the auction is a Zenith wristwatch with bold radium numerals and hands and a sterling silver case. This stylish antique from 1918 carries a $2,000-$2,500 estimate.

Zenith Swiss-made wristwatch, sterling silver case, 1918, porcelain dial. Estimate: $2,000-$2,500

For a modern look, consider the Movado 14K gold watch that has a dial design by Bauhaus-influenced artist Nathan George Horwitt. The watch dial has a simple design defined by a solitary dot at 12, symbolizing the sun at noon. The dial was selected for the permanent design collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, in 1960. The single dot dial now appears in many of Movado’s watches.

Movado 14K gold watch with antique white texture dial, original bracelet and buckle. Estimate: $1,000-$1,250

Also noteworthy is a Cartier 18K gold curved case watch, model 0211, which was manufactured in 2006. Certain to be a classic, this ladies watch is estimated at $3,500-$4,000.

Cartier 18K gold curved case watch, Model 0211, circa 2006. Estimate: $3,500-$4,000

View the full catalog of vintage watches and timepieces here. Your wrist deserves some new jewelry.