“I am the star of this show”
During the recent Heckler Columbus Day Weekend Event, I had the opportunity to sneak a peak at some of the fine items in the Thomas McCandless Sessions II and III Auctions. You had to navigate the crowd, but it was well organized and worth it with Heckler bottle handlers working certain lots based on shelf placement. The flasks seemed to be getting most of the attention as expected. It was during this preview that one little bottle just jumped out and said “I am the star of this show” Well here it is. Amazing little figural. Color is spectacular.
Heckler McCandless Auction Preview
Lot #85 “R & G. A. Wright / Philada” Miniature Figural Bottle, America, 1860-1880. In the form of a cannon barrel, plum amethyst, tooled mouth – smooth base, ht. 6 7/8 inches. Great condition. Only one other known example, that being the blue barrel in the Dr. Charles Aprill collection. Ex Gordon Bass collection auction, 1971. $37,000 ($43,290 with 17% buyers premium)
Lot #85 "R & G. A. Wright / Philada" Miniature Figural Bottle
Lot #85 "R & G. A. Wright / Philada" Miniature Figural Bottle
This little cannon is incredible. Even knowing I would not bid on it, it was one of the 1st pieces I previewed. What a color! Better than the catalog/Internet pic’- more grape-amethyst and lighter. The crude tooling in the edge of the lip contributed to an A+ in the character dept. The feel of this diminutive rare piece in one’s hand was as enjoyable as it’s appearance! My bet is it’s headed to Denver. $37K+17 %($43,290) will seem cheap tomorrow. An incredible rarity.