We just completed an estate sale that was truly spectacular on many levels, and touched many of us in different ways. This was the estate and private collection of Daphne Farago, a collector renowned for her collections of Americana, jewelry, and contemporary art. There are Farago wings at the MFA and RISD, and her collections are well documented in many books and publications. Before the sale, many items were earmarked for museums, family members and others, but we were fortunate to have several hundred items that were still extraordinary.

We had the opportunity to see, touch and certainly appreciate items previously shown in museums, or items that I had heard about, but had never seen. In this business, one typically sees a handful of extraordinary item in a single estate; here were hundreds. A Reyes Nantucket basket–a Dale Chihuly framed study –a period Chippendale chest–the Wegner Peacock chair– folk Americana at its best, maps from the 1600s, and much more. We also had remarkable experiences with the people we encountered.

Despite a steady drizzle in the morning, the sale was busy and a resounding success. The residence was on the edge of Sakonnet Point, and abutted the water’s edge. Folks milled about the home not just shopping — they also absorbed the wonderful and unique objects. Christmas music filled the rooms. Yes, many items sold in seconds; dealers called in orders from other states, and there was a bit of rapacious behavior, as expected. But there were also individual connections that made the sale rewarding on a personal level.

There was Fred, a new buyer to our sales, and a very serious collector of Americana. He bought many items, including weathervanes, a folk wood donkey, fishing gigs, marbles, and other primitives. He knew the different primitive fish gigs–those for fish, eels and frogs. In fact, he came back to shop four times. As he remarked to us, “You just can’t get items like these”. His excitement was contagious. For Fred, it was Christmas morning. Deidra was taken in by his joy, and gave him her wood display case that had perfectly housed the amusing donkey, as she said “it was a perfect home” for his new acquisition. It was that kind of day.

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Fred’s Donkey

We met a couple, Doris and Rich, both attorneys, who purchased several art pieces. This was their first estate sale, we believe. They purchased a Roger Pontbriand painting, a Helen Harrison wood object, and several other items. During our discussions, we learned that we had handled the estate sale for a partner in her law firm– as the saying goes, it’s a small world!

J.W. Middendorf, a local RI artist, just happened to attend the sale, where he met a buyer with a pencil drawing in hand that he had drawn years earlier. The drawing depicted cows grazing in a Little Compton field. In this rather serendipitous event, he resigned his work for the buyer, who was simply ecstactic.

I had the privilege of meeting Kate Elliot, a specialist in fine art glass, and founder of Elliott Arts West. Kate is an art dealer and appraiser, and among so many other awards, was also the artistic and business assistant to Dale Chihuly. Stella, her Labrador, was a welcome and willing assistant during our week there. Finally, we all learned more about Daphne, and the stories of how many people she has touched in so many generous ways. It is sales like these that make this business rewarding. Thank you all, Tana