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One of the first auction houses which started selling online: Cowan’s auction house

Author: Jenna Miller
by Jenna Miller
Posted: May 13, 2021

One of the first auction houses which started selling online: Cowan’s auction house

With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Denver, Cowan's auction holds more than 40 auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $ 16 million. We reach buyers around the world and pride ourselves on our reputation for integrity, customer service, and excellent results. Cowan's Auctions, a full-service house, specializes in American history, Native American and ethnographic, decorative arts, firearms and military, and modern and contemporary art and design. In 2019, Cowan's and Leslie Hindman Auctioneers collaborated to enhance their presence in the nation by launching Hindman, yet the Cowan’s auction Cincinnati is popular amongst these.

Photo of Joseph Jenkins Roberts for sale in Cowan’s Auctions

Cowan’s Auctions launched its first sale dedicated to African American culture in mid-February. Leading the event is an early daguerreotype of Joseph Jenkins Roberts, the first and seventh president of Liberia. Roberts was born to free black Americans in the early 1800s before settling in Liberia. He helped establish Liberia as a republic and led the state before and after the American Civil War. The available daguerreotype shows Joseph Jenkins Roberts in the 1840s. It was taken before all previously known Robert’s images.

The upcoming auction traces the history of the African American experience from the 18th century to the civil rights movement of the The 1960s. One of the key lots is a recording of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1956 speech at a convention of the National Association of Black Funeral Directors. Few copies of these 33 RPM vinyl records were produced and this is the first to go up for auction. The catalog also features photographs of the civil rights movement, including a press photograph of Dr. King's 1965 march in Montgomery, Alabama. He is shown arm in arm with the Rev. Ralph Abernathy, James Foreman, the Rev. Jesse Douglas, and John Lewis.

Prehistoric Pieces From the Art Gerber Collection

Before Arthur Joseph Gerber Jr. became involved in photography and art collection, he served as a medic in the US Air Force. Gerber wrote a memoir titled The Art Gerber Story during the last years of his life. The book describes his interest in ancient hunting artifacts, photography, and travel. The next sale, presented by Cowan's Auctions, features numerous artifacts from the Art Gerber collection. The event is the third and final auction featuring his collection.

The catalog features several key pieces from Ohio Valley. One of the highlighted lots is "Snowy" and "Little Snowy", a pair of anthropomorphic Mississippian effigy figures made of aragonite. This particular type of aragonite is believed to be unique to Wyandotte Cave in Crawford County, Indiana. A quartz flagstone, bone hook beads, loose beads, strung bangles, and partial atlatl hook will also be available.

American and European Fine Arts and Antiques for Sale in Cowan’s Auctions

Gunther Granget was one of the best sculptors in the world, famous for his figures of wild animals. Born in Germany, Granget's interest in nature developed when he was a child. The artist accompanied his father in studies of the land and often drew birds and animals. Granget started working for Lorenz Hutschenreuther, a Bavarian porcelain factory, at the age of 24. The artist became one of the best sculptors in the factory and continued to work there until his retirement. Cowan's upcoming auction event features Hutschenreuther bisque porcelain figurines from Granget. One highlight is First The lesson, a figurative group from the series titled Birds of Forest, Field, and Stream. Granget's realistic sculpture depicts a family of ducks in the reeds.

The auction also showcases a 20th-century burgundy Lilihan rug with a Persian floral design and separate floral sprays. This single-weft cotton warp rugs were famous for their American Victorian style and quality. Also on display are John James Audubon's engraving of a Bonaparte flycatcher and 532 Liberty Street by Ohio engraver Davira Fisher. Rounding out the list is sterling silver cutlery set from International Silver Co., Chippendale furniture from Massachusetts, and a Rosenthal tea service. To explore more such auctions interested people can go through Auction Previews of the auction daily.

Media source: AuctionDaily

About the Author

I write on arts, paintings, auctions, and all other allied niches.

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Author: Jenna Miller

Jenna Miller

Member since: Mar 09, 2021
Published articles: 18

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