Jan. 31, 2002 – The organizers of Sunday afternoon's third annual Antiques, Art & Collectibles Auction on St. Thomas have decided to jump the gavel and hold a pre-preview before Sunday morning's long-planned preview. It will take place Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m.
Auction, preview and pre-preview will all be at the Old Stone Farmhouse restaurant by Mahogany Run Golf Course.
The auction and attendant events are being presented by the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas to raise funds to keep the St. Thomas Synagogue — a designated National Historic Landmark — open to the public as a visitor attraction in downtown Charlotte Amalie. The 169-year-old structure, which recently has undergone extensive exterior and interior restoration work, is the oldest synagogue in continuous use under the American flag.
Admission to Saturday's pre-opening is free. On Sunday, the price of admission is a $10 donation to the cause, which gets you a copy of the auction catalog for starters.
"If you absolutely can't wait until Sunday to see this year's fabulous auction items, stop by on Saturday," promotional material states. A cash bar will be available.
Sunday's preview is from 10 a.m. until noon, when the auction is scheduled to begin under tents set up in the courtyard. Bruce Wilson of St. Croix, an expert in West Indian antique furniture, will be the auctioneer.
"We expect a few dealers from the states and several serious collectors from other islands to attend," an auction committee member said. However, one need not be intent on acquiring antiques to enjoy the event. "It's a great mix of people and a chance to learn more about West Indian furniture," she said.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, collectible items displayed on tables inside the restaurant will go on direct sale at ticketed prices — from as little as $1 to around $250 but mostly in the $5 to $20 range. A few pieces of furniture will be for direct sale, as well. Also inside, the fine art to be auctioned will be on exhibit.
On Sunday, parking will be available on a first-come basis in a lot behind the restaurant, as well as on the Mahogany Run road, with shuttle service available from both areas. Volunteers will be directing traffic.
The auction is expected to continue until around 4 p.m. Throughout the day, a limited food menu will be available, along with a cash bar. Wait staff will set up two food and drink stations, inside and in the courtyard, so neither hunger nor thirst will deter the bidding. Among the featured drinks: Painkillers.
West Indian antique furniture show pieces to go on the block this year include more than 25 items from the collection of Patti Cadby Birch, the widow of attorney Everett Birch and a former art dealer with galleries in New York and St. Thomas. These include a pair of mahogany sofa tables and a mahogany center table with dog-head legs dating from around 1870; two late 19th century chaises, two mid-19th century console tables, a mahogany sleigh bed and assorted accessory tables. Also in the collection are a 17th century Venetian bed and a pair of intricately carved late-18th century Indian chairs.
Other furniture to be auctioned includes a Barbados collection; pieces from the estate of Frances and Sidney Kessler, developers of the Virgin Isle Hotel; and items from the estate of Dana Moses, including mahogany furniture hand-crafted on St. Thomas in the 1940s and '50s.
Among the artwork up for bidding are a signed, numbered Chagall lithograph; a stamped, numbered Picasso print and an oil by the late Eric Winter, along with dozens of contemporary works by well-known local artists.
To see photographs of many of the items, visit the recently updated synagogue auction web site.
Proxy bidding is permitted on specific items for those who cannot attend the auction or must leave early; arrangements should be made by calling the synagogue office at 774-4312. Purchases may be paid for by charge card, local check or cash.
"Successful bidders should be prepared to take their items with them — and truckers will be available for hire," the committee member said. "Shippers also will be available for successful St. Croix or mainland bidders. Under special circumstances, the synagogue will store large items temporarily."
