#Middlebury #Antiques
Paul Evans (1931-1987) is one of the famous midcentury designers in America. He made unique furniture that fit into the buildings and houses being introduced after World War II. His studio was in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and in the 1960s he was making furniture from steel and other metals. He had to learn to weld, torch cut and create a patina to make his boxy chests and tables. Unexpected woods and metals were used in the furniture he made at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. He was successful as a sculptor and as a designer and maker for the company Directional Furniture.
These unusual chairs were designed by Paul Evans. His furniture is selling for higher prices each year as collectors understand his importance. (Submitted photo)
After his death, his work was forgotten for a few years, but soon it was realized that Evans’ designs were important, and prices have been going up. His Cityscape pieces seem to be the most popular, but Argenta chairs and tables are wanted for dining rooms in modern houses with large windows and plain walls. Each piece is handmade, all are heavy, difficult to move, unusual and sure to be noticed.
A pair of armchairs made in the 1960s of steel paired with flowered upholstery sold at a Rago Modern Design auction. The chairs estimated at $9,000 to $14,000 sold for $20,000 – well over the estimate. Each chair is 26 x 25 1/2 x 20 inches.
Q: I have a whale’s tooth scrimshaw made by Frank Barcelos in very good condition. I want to sell it but don’t know if I should use eBay or an auction. Would you be able to help?
A: Scrimshaw – carvings or etchings on whale’s teeth, bone or ivory – was first carved by North American whalers and others about 1800. A scrimshander is someone who makes scrimshaw. Frank Barcelos was born Francisco Jose de Barcelos. He came to the United States from the Azores in 1969. Some of his scrimshaw sells for high prices. There are federal laws governing the sale of whale ivory, and it can’t be shipped between states. You should contact an auction house to see if they can sell it.
Current Prices
Underwood Standard Typewriter, No. 5, round keys, ruler, half-moon opening, black, 11 x 12 inches, $120.
Coverlet, “Manufactured on the Latest Fashion,” trees, urn, flowers, circles, blue and white, fringe, Seifert & Co., 89 x 96 inches, $330.
Baccarat vase, cut glass, gold enamel, leaves, 19 x 5 inches, $375.
Wrought iron gate, 4 sections, scrollwork, repeating kidney shapes, center hinged gate, 73 x 97 inches, $800.
TIP: You can tell a piece of jade by the feel. It will be cold, even in warm weather.
Kovels’ “A Diary: How to Sell, Settle and Profit from a Collector’s Estate” is a step-by-step guide on what to do when settling an estate – from gathering legal papers to dividing antiques among heirs and selling everything else, even the house. Available only from Kovels for $19.95 plus $4.95 postage and handling. Order by phone at 800-303-1996; online at Kovels.com; or write to Kovels, P.O. Box 22900, Beachwood, OH 44122.
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