The shows, however, are spread out over three weekends, and two have no previews. Sotheby's and Christie's are counting on a heightened spirit of patriotism and interest in the historic past to spark excitement in their January Americana sales. They have a number of pieces of importance that should bring forth some competitive bidding. They are also offering various pertinent lectures by scholars and experts. Although Christie's has no single-owner sale this year, its five top lots have come to auction directly from the families of the original owners.
Provenance counts in the marketplace.
A rare Pilgrim-Century valuables chest, first exhibited during the October 1999 sales, is one of only three known. Documentation shows that the Quaker couple spoke as witnesses at the Salem witch trials. This card table is related to a table at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and its mate in the Kaufman collection in Norfolk and the Willing family table at Chipstone Foundation. All of these carved rail turret card tables were at the top of the cabinetmaker's price list. We think the carving is by Nicholas Bernard.