Wickliff Auctions, Carmel, Indiana

On the last day of February, 2015, Wickliff Auctions produced a good sized estate auction in Carmel, Indiana. The auction was primarily jewelry and wall art, but there was a smattering of early American art pottery from several major manufacturers. The facilities were excellent as always, the staff was very professional and friendly, and the participants were of the highest caliber. Refreshments were provided throughout the auction, and a security officer was ever-present to ensure the safety of all involved. Catalogs were provided to all participants, with excellent descriptions and each lot sequentially numbered. Two large monitors provided images of the items as the came up for bid so that everyone could clearly see the items.

Sadly, there was only a single Rookwood Pottery lot, two small production vases.

The blue Rookwood vase was quite nice, shape  #2207 from 1926, and the other was from 1919, shape #2174 with a band of rooks around it. Both were in excellent condition, and the bids flew quickly. Unfortunately, an internet bidder carried the day with a bid of $275 for the pair, but with the 15% buyers fee (for internet bidders) and the 7% sales tax, the actual price paid was $335.50, with the shipping cost undisclosed. Not a bad price to place these into your collection, but too high for a reseller to make a decent profit. We have previously won similar pieces for half the price, and so we passed on this lot.

Overall it was a good day, with good conversation and a great auction company.