From the Sack Volumes
From the Sack Volumes – Volume IV – Introduction to Volumn IV
From the Sack volume – Volume IV – Introduction to Volumn IV
The publication of the fourth volume of the Israel Sack Collection approaches the celebration of our country's bicentennial. This historic event is being marked by a series of celebrations, some of which will feature the treasures of our artistic craftsmen's creations. These works are synonymous with the spirit of independence and liberty which our forefathers nurtured, and as works of art they are the living testament to these stalwart qualities which made our nation great. Our job now is to keep our nation great. In rededicating ourselves to this task it is good to review and ponder somewhat on the sidelines to get a clearer perspective. The study and enjoyment of our great craftsmen's works gives us an opportunity to see and touch these symbols. Somehow there is a security to them that gives us the impetus to associate ourselves with their presence. The message comes through loud and clear. It is with hope and faith and trust in our country's future that we dedicate this volume. For in turning to the past that which survives all the turbulence is what we can count on for the days ahead. |
 P3448 Chippendale mahogany block front slant top desk with block and shell carved lid, three drawers, ogee bracket feet with C-scrolled margins carving, the interior with convex and concave blocked drawers and scooped pigeonhole drawers, the center door with concave shell and cross-hatched center, the end top drawers shell carved with incised line borders, rich dark brown patina; bearing the original label "John Townsend, Rhode Island 1765." This desk descended in the Townsend family and was purchased by us from a direct descendant. A block and shell bureau in the Metropolitan Museum bears a closely similar label by John Townsend in the same year.
Now in Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the Department of State.
Ht. 43" Wd. 42" Dp. 23" Writing Level 30½ |
 P3618 Classical gilt convex mirror of important size, circular moulded frame with chain carved inner border and gilded balls, surmounted by beautifully sculptured black eagle on flaring leaf plinth, flanked by scrolled brackets, the base with two intertwined dolphins and four scrolled gilt candle brackets supporting candle sockets, attributed to John Doggett, Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1800-1810. The mirror is not labeled. Yet comparison of this glass with the engraving on John Doggett's label shown (below) leaves no doubt to its authorship. Related are the intertwined dolphins; the distinctive plinths with flaring leaves and the broad leaf carved brackets. Ht. 53" Wd. 29" |
Brochure #22 - Beating the Game In our experience there has never been a successful collection formed without the guidance of a top flight dealer, either in the capacity of adviser or as a direct source of supply and outright purchase. The value of the profession is threefold: (1) to judge authenticity, (2) to judge quality, and (3) to determine value. The ability to judge quality and to determine value is predicated mot only on his innate good judgment and taste but also on the range of objects he has seen and compared. Rating an antique as to its comparative quality can only be judged against the whole panorama of the field. Attempting to compare it to illustrated examples covers only a small portion of extant pieces. Our photographic files and the thousands of examples we have handled over 60 years of specialization gives us a panorama which has vital significance. Furthermore pricing based on quality an authenticity is measured by an active marketing experience. Comparing prices by form and type alone can be very misleading. There is a tremendous price range between an exceptional example of a particular form and an average example. We have seen many of our customers hopelessly overpay for an average example by comparing its lowe3r price elsewhere to one of our top drawer pieces. For some strange reason the very executive who would not think of making a judgment without the advice of either a top tax man, accountant or legal counselor in his own field will blithely enter a strange field and attempt to beat the expert at his own game. This of course may be fun and recreation at low level prices, but in today's current market, the price of this challenge can become extremely costly. |
Comparison of the paterae and wavy gallery with that on a tray stamped S. BADLAM, Benjamin Flayderman Sales, 1931, catalogue #82 supports the attribution. Ht. 39" Wd. 60" Dp. 23½" |
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P563 Hepplewhite mahogany small sideboard with rare gallery top, line inlaid tapered legs and spade feet; the case is comprised of a top row of three drawers below which is a square center drawer and two cupboard compartments; the fronts are hinged by brass quadrants, each with inlaid sunburst paterae in larger ovals with checkered inlaid borders; the ovals contained in mitred panels with crossbanded borders; the sides have repeats of this design; the stiles with a chain inlaid design, the rarity of the design is enhanced by a superb brown patina of great depth and mellowness, attributed to Stephen Badlam, Dorchester (Boston), Massachusetts, circa 1790-1800.
