From the Sack Volumes
From the Sack Volumes - Volume V - Brochure #26
|
A Saga of Connoiseurship - The Taradash Collection Every American family, rich or poor, sees their real worth threatened with the shrinking value of the dollar, the high cost of living and the danger of increasing inflation. Through the 1960's most people sought to invest what capital they could in areas to keep pace with inflation--stocks, other financial investments, real estate, art and antiques. Most of these investments during that period rose with the tide. However, with the dislocation of the early 1970's stock did not automatically continue to rise, rather the reverse, but the best performance in the market was in the "blue chips." The same was true of antiques. The average and even above average antiques like the majority of stocks had risen to prices well beyond their potential and had priced many people out of the market. The consumers, caught in the money crunch and the high prices of the average antiques, slowed down on their home furnishing. For those buying for investment the average items could not generate stimuli to buy at the prices they demanded. Not true of antique blue chips. Their performance, even at the high price levels they had reached, proved far better and more stable than other financial investments. We have seen many cycles in the ebb and flow of antique values. We are absolutely convinced that truly great genuine objects of Americana have not nearly reached their potential. First, the Bi-Centennial, with its planned exhibits and emphasis on our heritage, cannot help but add impetus to the collecting of Americana. Second, this exposure could induce American museums throughout the country to form collections of or add major objects of American decorative arts. For a generation, with few exceptions, the museums have not been active competitors in the market for American antique furniture. Third, in 1976, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is holding a major exhibition of American decorative arts, including fifty great pieces of American furniture, sponsored by the British Government. Not only is it significant that American art is finally recognized by English connoisseurs, but also it could easily open up the field to world collecting. Virtually all items in this brochure have been assembled with the past six months and are offered here for invest in enrichment--both spiritual and financial.
P3852 Chippendale mahogany five legged claw and ball foot card table, deep serpentine front and sides with square candle corners, narrow frame with concave and convex gadrooned border on front apron only, the frame supported on four gracefully shaped cabriole legs with a fifth swing leg in rear concealing an original secret drawer, the front legs and knee brackets are carved with asymmetrical C-scrolls and acanthus leafage; the top is felt lined with recessed candle corners and scoop, choice mellow brown patina, New York circa 1760-1780. |
Ex-collection Mr. and Mrs. Mitchel Taradash, subsequently owned by Robert Sack and now has again moved on to Connecticut. Illustrated ANTIQUES January 1953, pg. 47.  P4122 Queen Anne mahogany blockfront kneehole desk of fare small size, the center recessed compartment is removable, the brass H-hinges for the arched paneled door are original as are the bat wing brasses; the center pullout drawer has diamond and scroll motifs. Salmen, Massachusetts, circa 1735-1750. The desk descended in the Metcalf family. Miniatures of Eliah Wight Metcalf and Lydia Stedman Metcalf accompany the piece. Ht. 31½” Wd. 33¾’ Dp. 20¾” |
P4206 Classical bridal "lighthouse" clock retaining the original white and gilt decoration; the tapering cylindrical waist contains an oval powder blue panel inscribed “Simon Willard’s Patent, Roxbury”; the square base panel is fronted by a door with a classical scene; gilded ball feet; glass dome with fluted terminal; the dome encloses the brass works fronted by an enameled dial; alarm wheel and bell. Made by Simon Willard, Roxbury, Massachusetts, circa 1820-1830.
