Bugatti leads all-comers at Leski's two day sale

By Richard Brewster, on 05-Nov-2020

Constructed from ebonised wood, brass, ivory, pewter, vallum, cord and bone, the lectern was made in his Milan workshop, established in 1888, from where his eccentric designs found a ready market. In the same year, he exhibited bedroom furnishings at the Milan Industrial Arts Exhibition and the Italian Exhibition at London's Earls Court.

The Bugatti name later became famous for its successful development in the early 20th century of inspiring racing cars involving three generations of the family – Carlo, sons Ettore and Rembrandt and Ettore's son Jean.

An elaborate and flamboyantly designed Carlo Bugatti (1856-1940) lectern (lot 708) made circa 1880-1895 and exhibited at the National Gallery of Victoria was the top selling item ($17,925 including buyer's premium) at Leski Auctions two-day Melbourne sale on October 31 and November 1.

An elaborate and flamboyantly designed Carlo Bugatti (1856-1940) lectern (Lot 708 ) made circa 1880-1895 and exhibited at the National Gallery of Victoria was the top selling item ($17,925 including buyer's premium) at Leski Auctions two-day Melbourne sale on October 31 and November 1.

Attributed to Barovier & Toso is a stunning pair of circa 1940s Murano glass white lights adorned with grape leaves (lot 228) fetched the second top price of $9560.

The lights retain their original foil "Genuine Murano Glass Made in Italy" and "Made in Italy" labels along with the original "Farmers & Co. Sydney" retail label.

In 1839, Farmers was considered Sydney's most prestigious emporium but in 1960 was absorbed into Grace Brothers.

A 20th century 3" scale model of Chas. Burrell & Sons Ltd (from Thetford, England) steam traction engine (Lot 1039 ) also was popular with the buyer paying $8000 for ownership privileges.

A 19th century Chinese walking stick (lot 335) with an ornately carved jade handle, silver collar and Chinese tiger wood shaft was listed in the catalogue at a $400-$600 estimate. By the time the bidding was finished, $7767.50 had changed hands.

Lo 843, a Rolex "Prince" mid 1930s art deco gold gents wristwatch, was another strong seller at $7170, while a mid-18th century oak and fruitwood Welsh dresser base (Lot 578 ) brought $6572.50.

Another Bugatti furniture piece, c1888-1890 wall cabinet with letter racks (Lot 709 ) was purchased for $5975 – the price also paid for a "Meuble A Fards" cocktail cabinet (Lot 710 ) designed in 1926 by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann (1879-1933) and a circa 1915 fine Austrian vitrine (Lot 711 ) in the Wiener Werkstartte style.

Other sale items of note included another Barovia & Toso creation – a circa 1957 Murano glass vase by Ercole Barovier (lot 238) – a circa 1955 Barbini for Cenedese Murano Aquarium glass with four fish (lot 225) and a pair of 20th century French boule and ormolu bedside cabinets with marble tops (Lot 626 ).

 

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About The Author

Richard Brewster has been writing about the antiques and art auction industry for almost 20 years, first in a regular weekly column for Fairfax's The Age newspaper and also in more recent times for his own website Australian Auction Review. With 45 years experience as a journalist and public relations consultant, in 1990 Richard established his own business Brewster & Associates in Melbourne, handling a wide range of clients in the building, financial, antiques and art auction industries.