Jan. 30, 2009 – The Hebrew Congregation's upcoming Antiques, Art and Collectibles Auction on Sunday, Feb. 8, at Antilles School's MCM Center will offer hundreds of items that will be on sale or up for bid in the congregation's 10th annual auction, and the wide range of treasures will fit any pocketbook.
The emphasis is on antique West Indian furniture. Philip Sturm, resident expert, has found scores of items, large and small, mostly from Barbados and Trinidad including a four-poster, queen-sized mahogany bed dating to 1840-50, two armoires, a samaan wood secretaire, two chests of drawers, a mahogany and cane chaise, and antique tables, cabinets and chairs.
The auction will also feature Oriental furniture and art, including three Buddhas that are perfect for house or garden, and a stunning Chinese rug.
This year's live auction will have 126 items, and there's more than furniture. The auction boasts two etchings by St. Thomas-born Camille Pissarro; paintings by Shansi Miller, Lucinda Schutt and other fine artists; sculpture by Jan Mitchell and Caroll Sirhakis; personally autographed baseballs by Mets superstars Jose Reyes and Johan Santana; an Oriental rug valued at $35,000-$50,000 but with a very reasonable reserve; and getaways to St. Barth's, Tortola, Maine, New York and elsewhere.
It will be the place to bid for both new and vintage jewelry. This will give auction-goers a chance to see these pieces up close, and try some on. Other items in the silent auction include the two fur coats, two telescopes, antique glass pitchers and silver spoons, original art, collectibles, cases of wine, and old Virgin Islands stamps, watches and bottles. There will be dozens of gift certificates for weekend getaways, day sails, restaurants, shops, a home-alarm system, legal and medical services, massages and wellness treatments.
For many, the real lure of the annual synagogue auction is the sale tables, with items ranging from $1 to several hundred dollars. Items include china, glassware, serving pieces, baskets, vases, purses, like-new clothing, odds and ends, sunglasses, and jewelry.
Special sale tables will feature the museum-quality pieces by St. John wood turner Avelino Samuel and blown-glass jewelry by Timisa Cree.
The auction weekend opens with a champagne preview from 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, at the MCM Center. Silent auction bidding begins then too.
From 10 a.m. to noon, Sunday, the sale tables open, silent auction bidding resumes and a second preview takes place. Auctioneer Bruce Wilson of St. Croix brings down the gavel at noon. Silent auction tables will close between 2-3:30 p.m. Food will be provided by Chef Damaris Catering.
Proxy bidding is available for those who cannot be at the auction; call the synagogue at 774-4312 for details. Shipping off-island can be arranged at the auction. A donation of $10 includes the catalogue with the complete auction listing.
For photos and descriptions of most items, go to www.synagogue.typepad.com. For a list of auction items in order, go to www.stthomassynagogue.com.
For more information, call Penny Feuerzeig, 774-9316 or 690-5451.
