Because it was one of your very few chances in recent years to take a long and detailed look at decorative antiques. Mostly American (also called "Americana"), but some other pieces thrown in. Even the American pieces, like these embroidered pictures, show some European influence -- particularly that of Britain.
In general considering their size and condition, these sold well. Mostly.
This one, Lot #765, went for $1250.
Lot #767, shown below, sold for $750. Both pictures' pre-estimates valued considerably more than that. Didn't matter -- all the items at this auction sold for what they'd bring. No reserve.
This piece, Lot #769, a mourning picture to the memory of George Washington, went for $10,000.
RARE SILK EMBROIDERED MOURNING PICTURE: ‘WASHINGTON, FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PEACE, FIRST IN FAME, FIRST IN VIRTUE’, PROBABLY PENNSYLVANIA, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
Other mourning pieces about George did well -- but ironically, some prints, paintings and such connected with him while alive didn't always sell that well.
Moral of the story: Buy George - but make sure he's dead to get the best price.
This one did okay -- but it was stitched after his death. Lot #827, it sold for $16,000.
PAINTED AND EMBROIDERED: WASHINGTON AND HIS FAMILY, MARY FOLLANSBE, NEWBURYPORT, MASSACHUSETTS OR BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (DOGGETT SCHOOL), DATED 1812
Estimate 10,000 - 20,000 USD
Even a handful of George Washington curtain tiebacks before it went for $4,000.
The Schorsches had several children -- perhaps that's why they appreciated these family pictures so much.
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