Thursday, November 19, 2015

We have three wonderful mid-century modern pieces

412-204-7493


     We have three wonderful mid-century modern pieces; a coffee table and two end tables

Two designer Vladimier Kagan and Adrian Piersall have both designed similar pieces.


Adrian Mount Pearsall (1925-2011) was an innovative designer who founded Craft Associates, who became one of the country’s most prominent furniture designers during the mid-century “Atomic Age.” He founded Craft Associates in the early 1950s with his brother Richard. Craft Associates continued to operate out of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania but was later sold to Lane in the late 1960’s. Following this transition, Pearsall went on to launch the company Comfort Designs in the 1970s. He went on to be included in the American Furniture Hall of Fame in 2008. His coffee table and end table design are called “Jax” or in some places “Jacks”

The coffe table is featured on his memo.


Vladimir Kagan was born in 1927 and is an American furniture designer. He was inducted in the Interior Designer Hall of Fame in 2009, 62 years after he started designing and producing furniture. He was married to the late embroidery designer Erica Wilson. Together they had three children. His Midcentury modern furniture with "Sinuous wooden frame characteristics has a modern feel making it relevant for times to come. His style, inspired by everything from antiques and nature to the Bauhaus, emphasizes comfort and functionality. His similar coffee table and end tables are called “Tri-symetric”  Very sought after mid century designed by the famous furniture designer Vladimir Kagan.Because of its idiosyncrasy, Kagan’s work did not lend itself to mass-production. Kagan never signed on with any of the major furniture-making corporations, and examples of his designs are relatively rare. Take a look at his work that we orginally used in our search for writing our description.



The market for vintage furniture is strong! Each auction sets new records in pricing.
Vladimir Kagan's designs are in two categories. Those actually built in the Kagan factory are identified as original CLASSIC designs and those built under license by authorized manufacturers. The CLASSIC designs were never mass produced. Fabrication in the Kagan workshop was limited. Finding an original is difficult, as poor imitations exist. Even auction houses are often deceived. That makes us feel somewhat better. The branding of Mr. Kagan's early pieces was sporadic. Due to his profound recollection of his work, together with sketches and photographs in his extensive archives, he, alone, is uniquely qualified to identify originals. He knows the joinery, the woods, the curves and the "handwriting" of his designs. To sort this out difinitively here is new information the lucky new owner should take advantage of at least for insurance reasons.


You can now receive positive identification with a provenance to differentiate these design. http://www.vladimirkagan.com/provenance-certificate


Happy Bidding!                              
Liz


Tuesday, June 16, 2015

John A. Ruthven - A National Treasure

412-204-7493



We first met John at his 90th Birthday party at his studio in Georgetown, Ohio. He is such a gracious man and tells wonderful stories. He was telling about painting his “Martha” tribute on the side of a building on Vine Street in Cincinnati, Ohio. He painted Martha in two weeks while other artists painted the rest of a copy of his original work.  It is quite impressive to see. He had us all laughing and you can hear him yourself on Youtube. https://youtu.be/CR6vdTjx9fY



John’s hero is John James Audubon. As a child, John became interested and studied Audubon at the Cincinnati Library and even took a class in Taxidermy to understand as Audubon did, the inner working and finest details of the animals he would draw and paint. John has had quite an adventurous life full of travel, painting and finding friendships everywhere.

John has been involved in so many causes including the Cincinnati Zoo and Kindervelt helping us raise money for the Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center. Never one to boast, he has done this quietly his entire life, always ready to help a worthy cause.




John A. Ruthven painted The American Bald Eagle and presented the original to then President Gerald Ford to commemorate the Bicentennial of Independence. 776 individually numbered, signed lithographs signed by Gerald Ford and double signed by John, were given away in 1977 to Republican donors who gave $10,000 or more to President Ford's election campaign.

The Eagle we have, Item number 132, is especially fine.  It is number 89/776 and has been valued by his own web site www.Ruthven.com  in December 2012 at over $1300.00 for insurance purposes only. This is your chance to own a National Treasure.

Happy Bidding!                              
Liz


Thursday, May 21, 2015

412-204-7493

        We are so fortunate to have a signed and numbered work of
Daniel Joshua Goldstein, an amazing art activist.


We have two of his earlier works from 1982 which reflect a lighter calmer time. His gradation of color and light reflect a simplicity and reflective meditative quality. The two pieces could stand alone but together they resonate and elevate the works in a symmetrical synergistic way.



Goldstein’s color gradations in this work and in his later work were inspired by Japanese prints of the Edo period. He is fascinated, as are we, by the “mysterious space between the inside and outside, dream and reality... through the use of doorways, empty rooms, luminous surfaces and soft shadows.”
His own Studio bio describes him as a San Francisco based artist originally from New York. His woodblock prints, collages and sculptures have been exhibited in leading galleries and museums throughout the world. Some of his most famous AIDS/HIV awareness sculptures include “Invisible Man” and “Medicine Mother”


“Medicine Man for South Africa” – Interview with Daniel Goldstein
                                                

Daniel Goldstein's life and art have proven to be an effective voice in an effort to Make Art Stop AIDs. We invite you to watch the installation of his work on YouTube.
Happy Bidding!                              
Liz
www.ayptoday.com

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Samick Baby Grand Piano Ending tonight

logo.gif

We have a wonderful Samick Grand Piano SG -150 in an Ebony Finish with matching bench in our auction  that closes today with a reserve of only $2,500.
This piano is a real find!

DSC00436.jpg

           Please do not let the piano snobs dissuade. Made in Korea, with it’s German engineering and lively action, this beautiful piano will please everyone. Whether you have played for years or are just beginning this is your chance
DSC00456.JPG
This piano has been lovingly cared for and is in excellent condition. If you have the space and the love of music, we highly recommend this treasure for your consideration.

DSC00438.JPG
It will prove a constant source of enjoyment!


Thursday, April 2, 2015

Thomasville Enduring Quality

412-204-7493

                 We are very fortunate to have Thomasville Furniture in our current auction. Since 1904, this company has succeeded in bring enduring quality and style to the homes of America. While they began making chairs, they have expanded to include furniture pieces for every room. We have two curio display cabinets.                                                  
     
At once you can see the versatility of these pieces. They can be placed together in a dining room to hold china and glassware. Or they can flank your own entertainment center and be quite happy holding books or displaying your treasures to their finest advantage. It you only have room for one let me suggest displaying it on an angle in the corner of your living room or bedroom. The possibilities are endless.

When you look closer at the details of these pieces the quality becomes even more apparent and thought is shown inside and out. Please notice the lighting, plate rims,      and ample hidden storage provided in each piece

And now part of the Thomasville story is helping you tell yours – with the quality of this lovely cabinetry that will allow you to express yourself through your home.

Happy Bidding!                              
Liz
www.ayptoday.com

Friday, February 27, 2015

1948 Winchester Model 70

412-204-7493

If you go online and Check out the Trophy Room of Winchesterguns.com you will see pictures of proud hunters and their game.  You will also see a significant trend, the rifle used for most was a Win. Model 70.                                                  

It doesn’t happen often that a firearm has the endurance to celebrate its 75th Anniversary. The Winchester Model 70 earned it in 2012, with thousands of sportsmen the world over having relied on its smooth-handling Pre-‘64 style action and legendary accuracy. We are lucky enough to have a 1948 Winchester Model 70 and it’s case in our current auction. See Item 94. This is more than a rifle and a piece of history.
This rifle is a piece of art. Please notice the craftsmanship and the graining of the monte carlo stock; we believe this to be a custom stock and not the original stock..

We want to credit the fine people at Winchesterguns.com for this illustration.
An advertisement used in the 1898 says it best.


Happy Bidding!                              
Liz


Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Battle of the Bins Better than Storage Wars, Yes!

412-204-7493

If you have watched Storage Wars on A&E Cable Television you know how entertaining that show can be. Here at AYP Today we have a new opportunity for you to participate in our own Battle of the Bins!


Is it better than the the TV show? Of course!  
Let us share why we think so and give you a better explanation of this unique format with this particular auction.
There are 18 bins for you to bid on. We do not know what is inside. The pictures have been taken from outside the bin. You are buying the contents “as is”.

You have more time.
On the show you get five minutes to view the contents. We give you a week.

You have a better view.
On the show you walk by the bin. We give you lots of pictures to study.

There are no TV cameras or drama.On the show there is always something. We give you the opportunity in your own home with your own computer. Peace and quiet, except for the kids and the dog.



We thought we would share some tips from the show.

What is labeled on the boxes may not be what is in the boxes.
Items may not look expensive but distinguishing marks may increase the value.
You win everything that is in the bin and must take everything with you.
We agree with Darrel, “This is the Wow Factor!” Even Dave says, “Yuuup!”                  
How much will you pay to see what is in our bin?



Happy Bidding!
Liz
www.ayptoday.com

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Pulaski Furniture Celebrates 50 years!

412-204-7493


One of the country’s best-known furniture brands, Pulaski Furniture is synonymous with outstanding craftsmanship and refined style. Continuously improving and adapting to trends and desires, Pulaski covers the complete design spectrum: traditional, contemporary and transitional. They have created quite a following with their hall trees and display cabinets and we happen to have one of each in our current auction.
                            Items 117                                 Item 119
Pulaski Furniture - hand crafted in Virginia, continues its heritage of outstanding value, quality and design while looking ahead for style and livability. Their lines have a slight bent to nostalgia when times were simpler. This quality is evident in our pieces as well.
Once you have their fine furniture you will want to take good care of it. They have some advice on their website.
“Caring for your furniture is easy—following a few simple guidelines will help extend the life of your furniture. Always dust with a polish-moistened cloth. Polish cushions the cloth, eliminating the scratching that occurs with dry dusting. Dust will scratch the furniture surface in not removed properly. Use a soft, clean cloth that won’t scratch the surface. Avoid coarse scratchy materials or fabrics. Avoid using soap and water on furniture. Water can penetrate the finish and raise the grain on wood, causing damage.”
Happy 50th! We wish you all the best!

Happy Bidding!                              
www.ayptoday.com

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Fire it up!

412-204-7493

 
Our current auction features a Dimplex Electric Fireplace Model DFB5016 Serial No. 12707D3F 369 with a Traditional Mantle. Dimplex invented the modern electric fireplace and the continues to be a leader with exclusive technology that creates the most realistic electric fireplace available. This one is stunning!

Dimplex holds patents on its 3D effect to give the fire more depth                         and dancing flames. This looks very real.
There may be some who think there is nothing that can take the place of a real fire in a fireplace. Those with gas logs and electric fireplaces agree that not having to worry about the mess of cleaning up the ashes and soot more than makes up for a natural wood fire. The fireplace mantle with it’s tradition craftsmanship and elegant walnut wood finish and wonderful details will add beauty to any room.

This fireplace lets you dream about adding a fireplace without the hassle of remodeling. Dimplex electric fireplaces use 90% less energy than gas fireplaces. There's no combustion or emissions from gas, period. Dimplex fireplaces are also ideal for zone heating, allowing you heat only the rooms you want and keep your central thermostat turned down low.  You will fire it up in comfort and safety.


Happy Bidding!                              
Liz


Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Whitney Piano A French Provincial Beauty!

412-204-7493



DSC05695.JPG



DSC05697.JPG
We have a lovely apartment size baby grand from the golden era of piano building. This piano was built by the Whitney Piano Company, one of the subsidiaries of the famous Kimball Piano Company of Chicago.   It is made of elegantly carved Circassian walnut wood, and is of the French Provincial style. The carvings are magnificent.
DSC05704.JPG
The Whitney Piano Company was operational from about 1895 to1955. In most cases, Whitney piano were nearly identical to Kimball pianos, but they were marketed to be a bit more affordable than the costlier Kimball line. Kimball enjoyed great success selling Whitney pianos over the years
IMG_1051.JPG
Today, modern piano manufacturers tend to put their better quality, materials, and workmanship in their larger, more expensive pianos. Modern manufacturers count on people buying small pianos for aesthetics rather than for function, so they are able to make small new pianos of lesser quality that still sell.
IMG_1050.JPG
You can buy a new Asian imported baby grand piano for under $10,000, but you get what you pay for. You may get particle board cabinets, plastic action parts, acrylic veneer, and green unseasoned wood. These cheap new pianos suffer severe deterioration after only a few years due to the lack of quality materials and workmanship.
DSC05699.JPG
A vintage baby grand Whitney piano like the one in this auction is made of top quality REAL wood, no plastic or particle board. Wood is what resonates to make a pianos tone quality. The original matching bench is included. This beauty will be the delight of anyone who is lucky enough to purchase it.
Happy Bidding!                              
Liz