Tom and Debra Burns Stretch Glass Auction
November 19, 2017 - Bath, New York Fire station
On-site report by Cal Hackeman
It was a cold and windy day outside, but a dedicated group of stretch glass enthusiasts numbering about 20 showed up in person while many more were at home bidding on line and a few placed their bids by phone in the first All-Stretch-Glass auction we have seen in quite a while. With 360 advertised lots, some consisting of multiple items, plus a few surprises at the end of the auction, the gallery was filled with stretch glass for inspection prior to the auction start.
Lot #1, a late period Velva Rose Twin Dolphin Fan Vase sold for only $2.50. It was a gentle start to what would eventually become fierce and competitive bidding among those interested in owning the stretch glass from the June Craig collection. Tom and Debra had traveled to California to pick it up a couple months ago. Now it was time to find new homes for this stretch glass.
There were bargains from time to time during the auction but generally the stretch glass realized prices which might have been predicted. There were also some surprises as spirited bidding took the prices of certain items into the stratosphere. Some of the prices realized (before 10% buyers' premium) include:
Fenton Velva Rose cup and saucer $125
Fenton Topaz 8 ruffled tulip bowl, unusual shape, $370
Fenton Aquamarine #231 cupped, footed bowl, unusual color, $250
Fenton #215 Celeste Blue juice tumblers, 4 for $22.50
Diamond Egyptian Lustre ‘ice cream shaped’ bowl, 10 ½” diameter $250
US Glass Pink #310 tall comport with floral and gold decoration $100
US Glass Topaz Open Work flared vase, $700
Fenton Topaz #231 cupped, footed bowl, unusual shape $65
Northwood Topaz Twisted, flared vase $210
Fenton Topaz #232 candlesticks, 1 pair, $150
Unidentified maker Celeste Blue square ashtray, extremely unusual, $1050
Diamond Green 8¾” deep round bowl with star in base, very scarce, $50
Diamond Topaz tankard pitcher with crystal handle, crack near handle $540
Fenton Topaz #847 Melon Rib candy box with nipple finial, $25
US Glass crystal tall covered candy jar, $100
Fenton #604 Florentine Green punch cups, 2 @ $160
Northwood Topaz Expanded Diamond pitcher, no cover, and 6 tumblers $330
A wonderful array of candy jars sold well as many vases and candleholders. All in all, an impressive variety of stretch glass with just enough rarities to keep things interesting for the 5+ hours it took to sell all the lots. You can check out all the results on Burns Auctions' website here.
Mid-way through the auction, Tom Burns paid The Stretch Glass Society several very nice compliments, mentioning our annual convention as “an intriguing education and experience in stretch glass.” He added that he always learned something from looking at the displays and being at the convention. VP Bob and I invited those in attendance and bidding on line to join The Stretch Glass Society and we gained 6 new members! Thank you, Tom and Debra, for helping us promote stretch glass and The Stretch Glass Society.
Be sure to be on the lookout for Tom & Debra's upcoming auctions, including our 2018 Convention auction on July 27, 2018, in Marietta, Ohio.
