Training your eye—and your wallet: Liz

         Perusing online auctions is an obsessive practice for those of us consumed with the confluence of style and price! Auction prices are an excellent baseline from which to gauge the price you are willing to pay for a desired object.  Our motto is: “shop relentlessly--buy once.”  I use Artfact, which consolidates multiple live auctions and has a watchlist feature, which is free with registration. The free feature doesn’t give every result, but you can subscribe for complete records.

This set of four Italian Bronze –Frame parlor chairs were auctioned by Eldred’s in East Dennis, Massachusetts in June of 2009, and were estimated to sell within the $500-$700 range. Returning to my watchlist I was seized with buyers remorse. They realized a price of $115.

This endearing wooden wall box would have been an ideal Christmas gift for my eldest daughter’s apartment’s entryway, as a key holder or mail box. More remorse! It was estimated to go for $50 to $100 and I think I bid $80 for it. It realized $138, a price I would have been completely willing to pay, as it fulfills my gift criteria. Gifts should radiate your love and affection for the beneficiary; they should be as special as the person it is intended for-- personal, and unique. Its size was very functional as well, at 13”h x 11”w x 5 ½” deep. Although my daughter doesn’t go by her first name (Sarah) it was once very thoughtfully carved and stenciled for a beloved child. Alas! Auctions have an emotional component, yet the prices are fantastic and the fare unique.

PAIR OF CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE PORCELAIN HEXAGONAL HAT STANDS, LATE 19TH - EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Matched pair with pierced windows and enameled scrolling lotus design on blue ground, borders of ruyi heads and lappets, mouth-rim gilt and interior glazed white, stamped with red seal mark on base. Slight wear to gilt and half-inch hairline to interior rim of one stand. H. 28.0 cm / 11.0 in. Shipping: $45.00 plus insurance. Estimate: $500-900.

This pair of hat stands would have converted beautifully into lamps. A conical shaped shade would have been a wonderful reference to their original function, but at a conversion price increasing the cost to upwards of $1,000, I’m not crying over this loss, considering their size. But…in the perfect spot, they would be the equivalent of the perfect stylish, little evening clutch.