In conjunction with the annual and much-anticipated San Francisco Fall Antiques Show, the West Coast’s longest-running international antiques event, Bonhams will be offering a wonderful selection of American and European furniture and decorative arts to auction on 29 October 2007. Previews will open in San Francisco on October 26 in the auctioneer’s salesroom and gallery.

American folk art devotees are expected to appreciate a monumental and elaborately carved walnut centerpiece stand produced for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. This table, expected to bring $40,000 to $60,000, is extraordinary for its high quality craftsmanship and seamless interplay of American and Italian artistry. The piece is complete with four adjustable mirrors and is intricately carved with figures holding flags of America and Italy.

Other American furniture highlights include a set of late 19th century seating furniture removed from the Menlo Park residence of the 1800’s mining multimillionaire James Flood. As well, a rare and beautiful mahogany Chippendale block front chest on chest, possibly attributed to American cabinetmaker Benjamin Frothingham, is expected to sell for as much as $35,000. A fine selection of Federal and classical sideboards will also be offered.

American decorative arts include a pair of oil paintings from the School of Gilbert Stuart — depicting a lady and a gentleman — once inventoried and sold by noted antique dealer Israel Sack. The pair is expected to reach bids of $5,000 to $8000. A 1785 portrait miniature on ivory by celebrated painter James Peale is also of interest, as is a signed and ebonized mahogany tall case clock by James Watson, Philadelphia, circa 1820. This clock is quite exceptional and bears its original paper label.

Folk art collectors will find a selection of American weathervanes from the 19th century on offer including a zinc cow weathervane estimated at $7,000 to $9,000. Bidders are expected to express interest in two Gold-Rush era canes. A true find, these canes are gold-topped with inlays of natural gold in quartz. Each is engraved with names of San Francisco “royalty” – the example bearing the name Gump is attributed to the department store mogul and valued at $10,000 to $15,000.

Posted: 10|29|07 at 11:17 am. Filed under: US News.