Lot 73 Gorham Tea Service in Proctor Estate

Morton Kuehnert’s January 22 Fine Antiques and Decorative Art Auction will feature collections and estate furnishings, featuring a portion of the estate from three generations of the Proctor family, all prominent Texas attorneys. The Proctor estate includes furniture, sterling, crystal, toys, books, paintings and other items to be auctioned beginning at 11:00 am, Sunday, January 22, at4901 Richmond Ave.,Houston, 77027.  Also featured in the auction are personal collections from family estates in Houston and Austin, including hunt and safari trophies, wildlife statuary and fine antique furniture and decorative art.  See entire catalog here!  Judge Frederick C. (F.C.) Proctor, 1866-1935, General Counsel for the Gulf Oil Companies from 1905-1919, was a prominent figure in the early days of oil development in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.  He was a prominent South Texas lawyer who practiced in Victoria and Cuero before becoming general counsel of the Gulf Oil Companies in 1905. Proctor and his wife Lucy Wofford moved to Houston in 1916 when Gulf transferred its headquarters from Beaumont.  He is credited in creating much of the comprehensive law relating to oil and gas. The family history is quite impressive.  He was the son of David Cogswell Proctor, 1835-1908, an early pioneer to Texas from Shelby County, Kentucky, who was educated at Yale (Master’s) and Harvard (Jurisprudence), and served in the Confederate Calvary as a Colonel during the War Between the States. Over the years, David Cogswell Proctor was known as a man of “unimpeachable character” and when he died he was the Dean of the Cuero Bar Association. 

Lot 65 Gold Charm Bracelet, Proctor Estate

As his practice evolved with various partners, the foundation of that practice has endured and is now the oldest existing law firm in the State of Texas, located in Victoria. Judge Proctor’s son was David C. Proctor Sr., 1890-1950, and he too was an attorney, receiving his undergraduate degree at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and his law degree from the University of Texas in Austin.   Judge Proctor and his wife built their final home during 1926-1928 at 2950 Lazy Lane, next door to Houston philanthropist Ima Hogg, owner of Bayou Bend.  The Proctor home was built by distinguished Houston architect Birdsall P. Briscoe.  According to Stephen Fox, a Houston architectural historian, the two homes shared a driveway.  The Proctor House site contained the Clock Garden, planned by the Kansas City landscape architects Hare & Hare, and was the oldest designed landscape in River Oaks.  The home was later bought by Mike and Alice Hogg, Ima’s brother, and was dubbed “Dogwoods”. The Judge was a friend of Governor James S. Hogg, the father of Will, Ima, and Mike Hogg.  It is said that he built the house on Lazy Lane to support the Hoggs’ efforts to develop River Oaks and especially Homewoods, the most elite subdivision within River Oaks. John F. Staub, the architect who designed Bayou Bend, told his biographer Howard Barnstone that he and Briscoe were asked by both the Hogg siblings and Judge

Lot 11, Louis XVI Gilwood Pier Mirror, Proctor Estate

and Mrs. Proctor to collaborate on the designs of their adjoining houses. The two architects agreed that Briscoe would design the Proctor House and Staub would design Bayou Bend.  Dogwood was demolished in 2005, much to the dismay of River Oaks residents andHoustonhistorians, to make way for construction of a new home on the Lazy Lanesite.  The January 22 auction will be an opportunity to buy a piece of Houston and Texas’ rich history.  For more information, please visit our website at www.mortonkuehnert.com and please leave your comments below. We want to hear from you!!

Lot 91 Diamond and Ruby Bracelet $20,000-25,000

December 11, 2011—Houston,Texas—Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers & Appraisers has carefully chosen more than 200 items to interest every member of the family during its Sunday, December 11, Fine Antiques, Jewelry and Decorative Art Auction.  The Sunday preview begins at 9 am and hammer time is 11 am (CST).    The catalog may be previewed online at www.mortonkuehnert.com or www.liveauctioneers.com.  Previews in the Morton Kuehnert gallery begin December 5^th through 10^th, from 10 am until 6 pm.  The Holiday Open House & Champagne Preview is Thursday, December 8, from 5 pm until 7 pm.     Bidders may bid online at LiveAuctioneers; leave absentee bids, arrange a phone bid at 713-827-7835, or bid live in the auction gallery at4901 Richmond Ave,Houston 77027.    

Jewelry

          Nineteen lots of jewelry and watches ready to go under the Christmas tree are in the spotlight.   Lot91, a particularly stunning piece, is a ruby and diamond bracelet with 22 rubies totaling approximately 11.9 carats and 369 round diamonds, totaling 8.83 carats.  The auction estimate is $20,000-25,000.     Lot 134 features a delicate white gold South Seas pearl necklace, with four pearls at 12-13 MM and 468 round diamonds, totaling 5.32 carats.  Estimate is $11,000-15,000.  Lot 164 features a beautiful white gold and diamond cross ring, estimated at $1,100-1,500.         Two men’s wristwatches include the Jaeger Lecoultere Aston Martin Special Edition, Lot 86 , estimated at $5,750-7,000. Lot 85 is an Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwalk Watch, estimated at $3,250-5,000.

 Fine Art

          For the art lover or the budding collector, Lot 24 is a beautiful  still life of fruit by artist Robert Hall, from the collection of former Texas Governor Joseph Sayers who served from 1899-1903.  The painting is estimated at $4,000-4,500.    Lots 66 and 67 are by Italian abstract expressionist artist Sergio Scatizzi, from a private Houston collection.  The first is Mare estimated at $6,000-8,000 and the second is

Lot 24 Robert Hall Still Life $4,000-4,500

Terra V, 1963, estimated at $8,000-10,000.   Lot 118 is Dream in Forest, 1997, by Italian artist Roberto Altmann, and is estimated at $5,500-6,500.  Lot 16 is a pair of life-sized granite Dalmatian dog sculptures, estimated at $4,000-6,000.  Also,Lot 81 is a pair of life-sized cherubim, hand-carved from Sienna marble, on wooden bases, estimated at $4,000-6,000.  If you’re a fan of Mozart, or have a music school,Lot 156, a life-sized bronze of the composer with his violin, is the perfect muse.  He is estimated at $3,000-5,000.

Lighting

         Lot 50 is a pair of life-sized Italian figural torchieres, sure to make a statement in your entrance way New Year’s Eve, estimated at $10,000-20,000. Lot 107 , a Tiffany Studios pendant lamp, the perfect gift for an Arts & Crafts enthusiast, c 1915, is estimated at $4,000-6,000.  An unusual pair of rock crystal lamps,Lot 27 , is estimated at $2,000-4,000.   Lot 74 , a Louis XVI style bronze and crystal chandelier, always appropriate, is estimated at $2,000-4,000. 

Antique Furniture

          Straight from the Warner Brothers studio inLos Angeles is Lot 29, a baronial Italian Renaissance Revival style walnut and rosewood dining

Lot 29 Renaissance Revival Dining Room $9,000-12,000

room set, estimated at $9,000-12,000.    For the budding pianist on your Christmas list,Lot 15 is a 6’1” Steinway grand piano, c 1912, estimated at $4,000-6,000.     One of the most distinguished lots in the auction, perfect for a library, study or office, is a 19^th Century northern Italian figured oak and marquetry secretary, Lot 101, which  is estimated at $3,000-4,000.    Lot 183, a pair of 19^th Century Empire style mahogany fauteuils, elegant seating for an after-holiday dinner aperitif, is estimated at $1,000-2,000.  Another pair of charming chairs is the 19^th century Hepplewhites, Lot 185, estimated at $900-1,800.   For the wine connoisseur, Lot191, a late 19^th century George III wine cellaret, makes for an elegant evening over an interesting conversation piece.  Auction estimate is $600-1,000.

 Architectural Elements

                  For the builder or interior designer, Lots 57 and 26 are sure to bring smiles to their faces.  Lot 57 is a pair of beautifully hand-carved 19th century Italian fir panels featuring musical instruments: three recorders (flute like instruments) and a violin and bow.  It is estimated at $2,000-3,000.  Three 19^th century Spanish carved doors,Lot 26, feature Don Quixote, Sancho Panza and the Windmills.  The auction estimate is $1,500-2,000. 

Decorative Art

           To add a touch of Europe to your Christmas, bid on an absolutely charming group of Danish gilt sterling and enamel Christmas and New Year

Lot 146 Collection of 39 Danish holiday gilt sterlingware $2,500-4,500

spoons and forks, stamped A. Michelesen Copenhagen, Sterling Denmark, c 1910-1929, is on the block.  Lot 146, which includes 19 forks and 20 spoons, is estimated at $2,500-4,500.  Lot 174 is Lalique’s La Femme whiskey decanter and tumblers, estimated at $1,200-1,600.  Lot 144 is a 

 Lalique enamel glass Roger box, estimated at $300-600.  Lot 100 is a late 19^th century KPM hand-painted porcelain plaque of the Roman Empress Theodora, estimated at $2,000-3,000.  Lot 205 is an Hermes tortoise shell traveling clock in original suede box, c 1980,Paris, for the business traveler with aplomb.  The auction estimate is $200-300.  Two charming Capodimonte mirrors are estimated at $200-300.  A couple of interesting clocks include Lot 114, a Lapis Lazuli carriage clock, estimated at $1,000-1,500 and Lot 179, a bronze dore’ and enamel figural mantel clock with an Asian motif, estimated at $4,000-6,000.  See you at the auction!

Lot 26 Chen Xiongli's Three Deer at Dusk $5,000-8,000

November 13, 2011—Houston, Texas—More than 200 lots of Asian, Middle Eastern, and European furnishings and decorative art are featured in Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers’ Sunday, November 13 auction at 11 am (CST). 

            Buyers may attend the auction at 4901 Richmond Ave., submit absentee bids, arrange for phone bids or bid online at www.liveauctioneers.com.  For more details, visit www.mortonkuehnert.com.  Items can be previewed in the auction house Monday, November 7^th through Saturday, November 12^th, from 10 am until 6 pm daily. 

Asian Intrigue

            Lot 1 is a palatial Chinese 12-panel incised black lacquer screen featuring a summertime palace scene with courtiers, estimated at $10,000-12,000.  Lot 16 is an unusual pair of Chinese cloisonné peacock sculptures/candle prickets, estimated at $3,000-6,000.  Lots 25, 26 and 27 are three signed original ink and color on paper by noted contemporary artist Chen Xiongli who was born in Beijingin 1939. Lot 25, “Deer Drinking Water” is estimated at $7,000-10,000; Lot 26, “Three Deer at Dusk”, $5,000-8,000 and Lot 27, “Galloping Horse” is $5,000-8,000. Lot 146 is a 20^th Century jewel encrusted ewer fromSouthwest Asia, estimated at $3,000-6,000.Lot 3 is an interesting Qing Dynasty sedan chair/wooden litter, with two shafts, estimated at $2,500-3,500.

Middle Eastern/Africa

            A pair of life-sized carved blackamoors from the late 19^th century, Lot 33, are estimated at $8,000-10,000. Lot 24, a Middle Eastern table-cabinet, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, bone and woods, is estimated at $1,500-2,000.  Lot 172, is an exquisite early 19^th century hand-woven Persian Heriz rug, estimated at $19,000-25,000. 

Europe/Italy

Lot 45 is a beautiful pair of Italian marble fruit urns on pedestals, estimated at $5,000-7,000.  Lot 72 features a pair of Italian Neoclassical style console tables, early 20^th century, estimated at $4,000-6,000.  Lot 75 is a handsome set of four 20^th century Romanesque cameo wall plaques featuring four Roman emperors which are estimated at $9,000-12,000. 

Europe/France & England

            Lot 66 is an exquisitely carved French Rococo mantel mirror, circa 1770, with original plate, estimated at $5,000-7,000.  Lot 70 is a pair of intriguing Louis XVI figural chenets/andirons estimated at $4,000-6,000.  Lot 120 is a George III style 19^thCentury English Bookcase, estimated

Lot 75 Four Large marble Wall Plaques $9,000-12,000

at $4,000-6,000.  Lot 124, a mid-19^th Century Louis Philippe figural mantel clock featuring a chariot drawn by harnessed lions, is estimated at $10,000-15,000.  Lot 200 features a French Provincial Late 19^th Century center table for $2,500-3,500.

Fine Art

            Lot 92 is Vilmos Aba Novak’s (Hungarian, 1894-1941) oil on canvas, “The Traveling Circus”, 1930’s, estimated at $6,000-9,000. Lot 96 is an early 20^th Century Continental oil on canvas of “The Annunciation,” estimated at $4,000-6,000. Lot 95 is oil on canvas of “The Jovial Friar Violinist” by Roka (Charles Roca) Karoly, estimated at $1,500-2,000. 

Apparel

            Lots 219-225 feature fur jackets and coats ranging in estimations of $500 to $3,000.

Painting by Roberto Montenegro

November 10, 2011—Mexico City—Morton Casa de Subastas’  November 10^th Latin American Art Auction takes center stage as one of the largest Latin art auctions in history, with nearly 200 lots on the block.  Morton is the sister auction house of Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers in Houston,Texas.   The art auction begins at 7:00 pm (1900), Thursday, November 10th at Morton Casa de Subastas in Mexico Cityfeaturing the different genres of Latin-American art, from portraits to still lifes, to monumental pieces from the great masters of the abstract. See entire catalog here!   The expressions of color manifest the spirit of this land, one which surpasses the frontiers of the region and bring an added value to their voices.  Bidders may attend the auction or arrange for absentee bids or phone bids.  An example of some of the artists included are Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Francisco Zúñiga, Juan Soriano, Guillermo Meza, Ricardo Martínez, María Izquierdo, Cordelia Urueta, Lilia Carrillo, Valetta Swann and Silvia H. González. Also Kcho, Eduardo Kingman, Fernando de Szyszlo, Roberto Fabelo, Santiago Rebolledo Boris Viskin, José Antonio Farrera, Héctor de Anda and Gabriel Orozco, will be available for collectors around the globe. We invite you to be a part of this encounter, which promises to mix beauty, history and color.

Subasta de Arte Latinoamericano Thursday 10th November, 19:00 hrs.

Showing:  8, 9 y 10 November, 10:00 – 19:00 hrs.  Salón Candiles del Club Naval Norte   Fernando Alencastre 310 Col. Lomas de Virreyes México, D.F.

 Info Romina Quezada  rquezada@mortonsubastas.com  Tel. 52 (55) 5283 3140 ext. 3146 

Press Contact Zaida Rocha  zrocha@mortonsubastas.com  Tel. 52 (55) 5283 3140 ext. 3397

14 K Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring Auction Estimate $2,600-3,200

Blue & White Chinese Vases. Auction Estimate $2,750-3,750

Let specialists determine what your treasures are worth at Morton Kuehnert’s Appraisal event October 18 at their auction location at 4901 Richmond in the Galleria area. Specialists from Morton Kuehnert will provide participants with free verbal auction market evaluations of their property.  Auction appraisals are available in these categories: fine art, decorative arts & Asian art, jewelry and watches, furniture, crystal, silver and porcelains.  For large or numerous items, participants may bring photographs or submit them for evaluation at: http://www.mortonkuehnert.com/valuation.html.  To schedule an appointment for a private and confidential evaluation, call 713-827-7835.  Participants have an option to consign and sell at auction if their items meet Morton Kuehnert’s requirements.

Tortoiseshell Walnut Cabinet on Stand $4500-5,500

Sunday, October 23, 2011—Houston, Texas—The embellishments of the lifestyles of the rich and famous in the 18^th and 19^th centuries will be presented for auction at Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers & Appraisers Sunday at 11:00 am (CST). More than 400 lots of exquisite clocks, chandeliers, torchieres, furniture, rugs and contemporary jewelry will be on the block at 4901 Richmond Ave. and at www.liveauctioneers.com.  Phone bids and absentee bids can also be arranged by calling 713-827-7835.  Previews will be available on-line by the beginning of October and in the auction house Thursday, Oct. 20-Saturday, Oct. 22.

Clocks and Garnitures 

A charming late 19^th Century French bronze and enameled double drum carriage clock is up for auction.  It has enameled panels, one depicting two cherubs, one depicting a church and bridge by a mountain lake and one depicting two large haystacks.  Carriage clocks were portable pieces, many times encased in leather, used for travel, and purchased at high-end jewelry stores of the day.

            An impressive late 19^thCentury Continental painted and gilded bronze five-piece clock garniture, by clockmaker Japy Frères, is sure to be a show-stopper.  The beauty of the set is enhanced with the stunning blue background and metallic leaves.  It includes a tall urn-form clock, two urn-form five-light candelabra, and two vases. All pieces having a gilt bronze foliate scroll base with four feet and all but the clock with a gilt bronze gadrooned domed top.

Continental Five-Piece Clock Garniture $5,000-7,000

            One of the centerpieces of the auction is a Raingo Frères bronze doré and patinated bronze figural mantel clock, c. 1850, featuring two ebony patinated seated figures—Justice and a maiden—and the entire clock lavishly decorated with scrolling acanthus leaves, floral and fruit and architectural elements.   Raingo Frères, the eminent Raingo brothers, were the leading French clock makers of early and mid-18^th Century.

            A 19^th Century Larzet bronze doré and patinated bronze figural mantel clock features a playful motif of a boy holding the horn of a goat on top of a rocky mound, resting on a white marble plinth and base.  The name LARZET, 12 RUE DE LA CONCORDE, is stamped on the front and the inside back plate stamped LARZET A PARIS at the top.

 Furniture

                        A stunning octagonal semi-precious stone inlaid table with a white carrara marble base, is one of the most unusual pieces in the auction.  The eight lobes are connected with serpentine sides and a stepped-ogee edge on a black agglomerate stone of turquoise, lapis lazuli and abalone flowers, on agate vines with malachite leaves and olives.  The top is supported by a carved white carrara base of three cherubs.

            Sure to be one of the centers of attention is a pair of elegant Louis XVI style giltwood mirrors with radiating leaves and bell flowers; at the crest of the en chapeau cornice continues bellflower garlands and foliate over the mirror plate, terminating with glorious scrolls of acanthus bellflowers.  The base of the mirrors are flanked by scrolls with draping bellflowers.

            An unusual and finely crafted early 19^th Century George III flame mahogany demi-lune sideboard will be another favorite.  The mahogany top with ebony stringer and banded edge is supported by a body with two doors, three drawers ad a half-moon tambour panel opening.

            An early 19^th Century George III walnut slant front secretary with walnut veneer and moulded cornice, supported by two burled walnut mirrored locking doors with banded side panels and four adjustable shelves. Below the door are a pair of pull-out candle stands above the slant front desk with a green tooled leather writing surface, with four cubby holes, four drawers and a locking door.

 Smalls

Irish Donegal Wool Rug $3,500-4,000

    A Russian bronze-mounted malachite box is featured on the cover of our catalog.  It is a sleek, rectangular box with a hinged front cover, decorated with a cast gilded bronze c-scroll medallion, centered by a green boss; most of the exterior surfaces are covered with malachite tesserae to form pleasing patterns.  A graceful Italian white carrara marble statue of a finely rendered maiden with a halo of flowers and doves perched on her hand and arm, all on a black marble base, is sure to be a popular item. 

            A 76-piece set of 1895 “Chantilly” patterned Gorham Sterling flatware, Providence , Rhode Island, is a beautiful six piece service for eight, plus a number of serving pieces.

            An Irish Donegal wool pile rug in excellent condition, circa 1950’s, is an unique Irish carpet blending Renaissance and French Aubusson designs, on a wool foundation. It measures 10’5” x 11’ (355-320 cm)

            A pair of Louis XVI style patinated bronze and cloisonné five-light appliqués/sconces will make a statement in any space of the final destination of these lights that measure 41 x 25 ½ x 11 ¾ inches )104.1 x 64.7 x 29.8 cm) 

Jewelry

             Our jewelry collection could almost be described as breath-taking.  An 18K white gold emerald and diamond necklace,

Emerald and Diamond Necklace. $60,000-90,000

with 621 diamonds equaling 26.18 Ct., highlighting 13 natural emeralds, is sure to steal the hearts of many a maiden fair.  A gentleman’s Patek Philippe wristwatch for Tiffany & Co. and an entire collection of cufflinks, are sure to attract the attention of many metro men, including a pair of 18K gold Buddah cufflinks, peanuts, saxophones, acorns, sports cars, opals, gold and diamond, carnelian and gold, chrysoprase, sterling silver and black mother-of-pearl by David Yurman, and a white gold and black diamond tuxedo cufflinks and studs set.  Finally, a platinum diamond and sapphire ring, with one 2.00 Ct. marquise diamond and four marquise blue sapphires, is ready to grace the hand of an eager owner.

Galle Cameo Glass Vase. $7,000-10,000

September 18, 2011—Houston, Texas—More than 400 lots of beautiful furniture, sterling, porcelain, lighting, fine art, Oriental rugs and fine jewelry are on the auction block for 11 am (CST) Sunday, September 18.  Lots may be previewed on-line beginning  August 31. The public is invited to a Champagne Preview Reception on Friday, September 16, from 5 pm until 9 pm in the Houston Galleria area auction house at4901 Richmond Avenue, 77027.   Participation in the auction is open to the public; bidding will take place in the auction gallery, at LiveAuctioneers, by absentee bids and phone bids (for lots estimated at more than $1,000).   The majority of the lots are from a Tanglewood family estate Florian Fine Art & Antiques, both located in Houston.   Highlights of the auction include an exquisite collection of sterling, for example, an Austrian Sterling Tea and Coffee Service with the mark of Josef Carl Klinkosch,Vienna, c 1875, with the kettle-on-stand, marked Richard Martin & Ebenezer Hall,London, 1874.  The set weights in at 4288 grams and is estimated at $3,000-5,000.   A pair of gilt-bronze mounted Sevres porcelain coupe,France, 1750 is estimated at $1,000-2,000 and a French Empire cut crystal bowl on plinth is estimated at $2,000-4,000.  An Anglo-Indian walnut game board with ivory game pieces is estimate at $2,000-3,000.  A wonderful Steinway Concert Grand Rococo Revival East Indian Rosewood Piano, c 1863 is estimated at $25,000-35,000.  An 18^th Century Dutch red and gold leaf serpentine chest is estimate at $1000-2,000 and a late 18^th century Chinese lacquered screen with carved panels and original hardware is estimated from $1,500-2,500. Four mid 19^th Century Italian Rococo style armchairs of heavily carved walnut are estimated at $3,000-4,000.

            An 18K white gold sapphire and diamond necklace is estimated at $65,000-85,000 and a Tabriz carpet from Northwest Persian, c 1980, is estimated at $12,000-14,000.  Other highlights include a late 19^thcentury monumental

Sapphire and Diamond Necklace. $65,000-85,000

English Renaissance style oak bookcase, estimated at $7,500-12,500 and a bronze and marble center table estimated at $7,000-10,000.  A stunning mid-19^th Century eight- piece Jacob Petit gilded and decorated porcelain tea set is estimated at $2,500-3,500.  A fascinating Galle’ cameo glass vase is estimated at $7,000-10,000.  For an Absentee Bid form go to: http://www.mortonkuehnert.com/buying_at_the_auction.html  and to arrange a phone bid, call 713-827-7835. 

 We want to hear from you!  Leave your comments or questions here.  If you have items you want to consign for our upcoming Fall and Winter Specialty Auctions, or our weekly Antiques and Interiors Auctions every Thursday night, upload images and descriptions right here.

We are hosting TPG’s monthly meeting tonight, Tuesday, August 23, at 6:00 pm. Managing Director and Auctioneer Tricia Kuehnert-Gillespy will explain the consignment and auction process, followed by a benefit auction of TPG-donated items, with proceeds designated for MECA, the non-profit Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts.  MECA’s mission is to promote the healthy social, cultural and academic development of at-risk, inner city youth through education in the arts.   TPG’s mission is to provide women of diverse professions with opportunities for building relationships and networks of personal and business associations through informative monthly presentations, professional development programs, educational and social activities and philanthropic endeavors.