NEW YORK, NY.– New Yorkers and auction lovers can now welcome back and once again enjoy La Belle Epoque Auction House, the eye catching, yet welcoming, neighborhood jewel at 71 8th Avenue on the border of the Meatpacking District and the West Village in Manhattan, for their upcoming “Grand Reopening MultiEstates Auction” on Saturday, March 18th at 11am. Their first new auction will offer an impressive collection of fine art, antiques, silver, mid-century modern furniture, jewelry, fashion, lighting, memorabilia, collectibles, decorative items and more. Previews will be held Thursday March 16th 12-5pm and Friday March 17th 12-5pm.
Leading the way at the La Belle Epoque Auction House Grand Reopening auction is an exquisite early 18th Century French Regence Period Commode, finely carved fruit wood commode with a thick molded marble top which was part of the collection of Mrs. Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan, the former Duchess of Marlborough, and previously Matthew Shutz in NYC. Approximate size 30 1/2″H x 43″W x 24″D. This rare piece is estimated at $4,000-$6,000. Another antique furniture standout is an 18th century, Louis XVI French Bergère , Fruitwood chair raised on fluted legs. Approximate Size: 37″H x 26″W x 27″D. Estimate $1200-$1500 and the Italian 19th Century Savonarola Open Armchair, Renaissance revival style. Carved walnut, over upholstered leather seat and back rest. Ramshead arm supports, 34.5” H x 25.5” W x 18D. Estimate $300 – 500.
Contemporary art highlights include an unusual “Bronze Clad” Sculpture of Female Torso – Mid to late 20th century modern patinated aged “bronze clad” sculpture of a nude woman. Signed bottom right of base. Approximately 30″ in height. Estimate $1200-$1500, along with a Drawing of a Woman, Signed Miro 1917 – Attributed to Joan Miro (Spanish-Catalan, 1893-1983) drawing of a woman signed and dated Miro lower right 1917. Approximate site size 7″H x 6.5″W. Estimate $700-$1000. Also offered is a Piranesi Style Print – Two sheet 18th century Piranesi style engravings of the Vatican. Partial gilt mahogany frame with a double mat. Provenance following Central Park West Estate. New York City. Approximate overall size 39″H x 50″W. Estimate $1500-$1800.
Rare collectibles will also be in the spotlight at La Belle Epoque Auction House, who are featuring about 30 lots of hard to find Lionel and other top name vintage trains. Highlights of this collection are the American Flyer ‘Hamiltonian’ Lot of 3 – Including the American Flyer 4341 Pullman Carriage, American Flyer 4340 Club Car and American Flyer 4342 Observation Car. This lot of sought after prewar collectible American Flyer carriages are in very good condition. Estimate $500-$700, the American Flyer “President’s Special” Lot of 4 – Wonderful lot of 4 American Flyer “Presidents Special” Carriages including Annapolis Diner Carriage 4393, Army-Navy Observation Carriage 4392, West Point Club Car 4390 and Academy Passenger Carriage. Estimate $1000-$2000 and a lot of 8 American Flyer Wide Gauge Carriages – A great selection of wide gauge American Flyer carriages including ‘The Commander’ no.4689 in green as well as a red no.4678 carriage. Estimate $800-$1000.
In appealing to collectible buyers at all income levels, La Belle Epoque Auction is also featuring a series of vintage themed lunch boxes, including the lot of 2: H.R Pufnstuf & Dr. Seuss Lunch Boxes – Collectible rare H.R Pufnstuf lunchbox and Dr. Seuss lunch box including original Dr. Seuss thermos . Both pieces circa. 1970. Estimate $150-$200.
Modern furniture pieces will include a Maitland Smith Leather Chest of Drawers – Late 20th Century leather faux luggage chest design with metal detailing and leather handles. This 8 drawer chest is raised on suppressed ball feet measuring approximately 45″H x 21″W x 17″D. Estimate $400-$600 and a set of Eight Billiard Motif Barstools – Pool ball themed stools, numbered 1-8, with pool balls for feet. 6 and 7 missing one ball each. Each signed underneath “1998 Jumping Jack”, signatures illegible. Approximate size 25″H x 14″ circumference seat. Estimate $200-$400
In the Asian decorative arts arena, they’ll offer an Early 20th Century Chinese Rose Medallion Vase, Chinese polychrome rose medallion vase now mounted as a lamp on a wooden base, electrified. Approximately 26” in height. Estimate $800-$1200 and a pair of Meiji Period Satsuma Vases, late 19th/early 20th century Meiji period Satsuma Japanese vases. Approximately 9” in height. Estimate $300-$400, while also offering a Sterling Silver Bowl by Lunt – American 20th Century Paul Revere reproduction sterling bowl by Lunt. Approximate Diameter 10.5” x 5” Height. Approximate weight 29.17ozt. Estimate $400-$500.
Fashion and accessories will also have a showing, with a Louis Vuitton Sirius 70 Monogram Soft Luggage Suitcase. Approximate size 19″H x 27″W x 8″D. Estimate $800-$1200, a Dolce & Gabbana Jacquard Tile Motif Coat – Beautiful Jacket with Pockets. Orange & vintage tile motif. Marked Size 40. Approximately 38″ Length. Estimate $200-$300 and a stunning 2 Piece Dolce & Gabbana Blouse and Shorts. This beautiful set is marked size Large. Estimate $150-$200.
As many are aware, just as well-informed New Yorkers were starting to appreciate La Belle Epoque Auction House in early 2022,disaster struck in the form of a small fire in the building upstairs one evening, setting off multiple sprinkler systems, and causing ceilings, walls and floors, along with treasured posters and artwork, to be ruined.
Now, after ten months of major renovations, Manhattan’s La Belle Epoque Auction House has reopened in their glorious 7,000 square foot space. They are also now taking consignments for upcoming auctions and will be hosting “Appraisal Days” where potential consigners and collectors can easily come in to ask questions and get the focused attention one would expect in a “neighborhood” auction house. .
