Expert Tips: 5 Investment Auction Lots To Watch This Week (#3)
Five “sleepers” that could be an excellent investment!
Welcome to the world of antiques and collectibles — where history meets investment potential! Every Monday, we invite you to embark on a journey with us into the realm of auctions as we unveil a carefully curated selection of “sleepers”.
With 15 years of experience in the trade - buying, selling, and performing evaluations for auction houses - we will introduce you to those hidden gems that may very well turn out to be extremely sound investments.
Auction houses have long been the treasure troves where passionate enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and shrewd investors converge to seek out the rare, the exquisite, and the valuable. With a discerning eye and a penchant for uncovering the extraordinary, we have handpicked five auction lots that are poised to capture the hearts and imaginations of both seasoned collectors and novices alike. Let’s dig in!
1. OMEGA, Constellation, Grand Luxe, Chronometre “Pie-Pan”, 18K rose gold, circa 1959.
The OMEGA Constellation Grand Luxe Chronometre “Pie-Pan” in 18k rose gold is a watch that simply epitomizes elegance, precision, and enduring style! Part of OMEGA’s distinguished Constellation collection, this timepiece stands as a pinnacle of horological craftsmanship.
This particular Constellation model (often referred to as the “Pie-Pan” due to its unique dial shape resembling an inverted pie pan), was introduced in the 1950s and quickly gained recognition for its distinctive aesthetic. Crafted from lustrous 18k rose gold, the watch exudes a sense of luxury and refinement.
What sets this timepiece apart horologically, is its superb chronometer certification, signifying its exceptional accuracy and performance. OMEGA has long been renowned for its chronometric achievements, and the “Grand Luxe Chronometre” is no exception.
The cal. 505 movement within the watch is not only a testament to precision but also a tribute to OMEGA’s dedication to innovation and excellence in watchmaking. (Remember that Omega’s Speedmaster was and still is the choice of American astronauts. In 1965, NASA qualified it for use on its piloted missions, and since then, it has been worn on all six lunar landings and earned the nickname “the Moonwatch”).
What sets this lot further above is the inclusion of a unique provenance, as it was delivered to the United Nations (UN) and comes with papers as well as the coveted Omega “Extract From The Archives”. Additionally, a very nice (450 USD) Omega alligator strap was added in late 2020 with an original 18K Omega gold clasp. Doesn’t really get any better!
With the OMEGA Constellation’s iconic “Pie-Pan” dial, elegant rose gold case, and chronometric reliability, this is a classic timepiece that transcends time. It embodies the brand’s commitment to beauty, functionality, and precision, making it a cherished symbol of luxury and sophistication in the world of high-end watches. It is valued at 5.000–5.500 USD which is a bit of a steal for this package.
See the watch and make a bid here at Stockholms Auktionsverk.
2. JOAN MIRÓ. “La Fronde”. Etching, aquatint 5 of 75 from 1969.
“La Fronde” is an exquisite work of art by the celebrated Spanish surrealist painter and sculptor Joan Miró, showcasing the artist’s mastery of etching, aquatint, and carborundum techniques. Created as part of the “Miro Engraver” series, “La Fronde” is a striking example of Miró’s unique visual language.
Miró’s art is characterized by his ability to blend the abstract and the figurative, resulting in dreamlike compositions filled with symbolic elements. In “La Fronde,” one can discern the artist’s whimsical and imaginative approach to creation. Vibrant colors and flowing lines combine to create a sense of dynamic movement and playful spontaneity, as is typical of Miró’s work.
The title “La Fronde,” which translates to “The Sling” in English, hints at the presence of a slingshot-like shape in the composition, a recurring motif in Miró’s art. This whimsical element adds to the overall sense of narrative and intrigue within the piece.
Joan Miró’s “La Fronde” is a testament to his inventive and avant-garde spirit. It embodies his commitment to exploring new techniques and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
This particular etching is number 5 of 75, printed by Morsang Paris, and measures 106.5 cm x 70.2 cm. It comes framed and with provenance.
It is valued at 9.200–13.800 USD. Just 10 years ago, number 15 of 75 sold at Christie's for 27.500 USD. You do the math…
See the work here and make a bid here at Stockholms Auktionsverk.
3. Gibson Les Paul Gold Top guitar from 1955.
If you’re a guitarist a collector (or both), this guitar could easily be considered the holy grail! The extremely coveted Original Gibson Les Paul Gold Top from 1955, is nothing short of a legend — a rock ’n’ roll legend! It is an iconic instrument that forever transformed the landscape of electric guitar design and music.
In the mid-1950s, Gibson introduced this model as the first Les Paul with a maple top finished in a luxurious gold metallic color, setting the stage for a revolution in both guitar aesthetics and sound.
The Les Paul Gold Top, known for its lustrous gold finish and elegant design, boasts a solid mahogany body with a carved maple top, offering a blend of warmth, sustain, and resonance. It was fitted with two P-90 single-coil pickups, which delivered a rich, vibrant tone, setting it apart from other guitars of its era.
What truly distinguished the 1955 Les Paul Gold Top was its pioneering Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece, which provided superior intonation and sustain — crucial for the emerging rock ’n’ roll genre. This innovation laid the foundation for modern electric guitar construction.
As a vintage classic, the 1955 Les Paul Gold Top holds an esteemed place in the hearts of guitarists and collectors. It not only embodies the spirit of the ’50s but continues to be a sought-after, iconic symbol of rock music history, with its timeless design and legendary tone shaping the soundscape of generations of musicians.
This guitar comes with an original Gibson case and with provenance.
It is valued at 23.000 USD and the current bid stands at 16.000 USD. I’ll have two, please, and thank you!
See the guitar and make a bid here at Stadsauktion Sundsvall.
4. AXEL SALTO Spherical vase, Royal Copenhagen, Denmark.
Axel Salto, a pioneering figure in Danish ceramics and a master of organic design, remains a prominent name in the annals of 20th-century ceramic art. Born in Denmark in 1889, Salto’s career spanned several decades and is considered one of the heavyweights in ceramics.
Salto’s artistic journey began with his studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where he honed his skills as a painter. However, it was his collaboration with the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory that catapulted him to international recognition. His work there, often characterized by its intricate relief patterns and nature-inspired themes, defied convention and introduced a fresh aesthetic perspective to ceramic art.
One of Salto’s most celebrated contributions is his collaboration with fellow artist Jean Gauguin, resulting in the development of the “Gastronomy” series, known for its distinct glazing techniques and organic forms. His later works featured organic textures, floral motifs, and relief patterns inspired by nature.
Axel Salto’s oeuvre reflects a profound connection with the organic world and a relentless pursuit of innovation within the field of ceramics. His pieces, with their distinctive and timeless beauty, continue to be cherished as both artistic expressions and functional objects, representing a harmonious fusion of art and nature.
Valued at 11.500 USD, the bid currently stands at 6.600 USD. A real beauty!
See the vase and make a bid here at Palsgaard Kunstauktioner.
5. PABLO PICASSO. “Tête de Jeune Fille”.
Pablo Picasso’s “Tête de Jeune Fille,” which translates to “Head of a Young Girl”, is a captivating piece of art that exemplifies his exceptional talent and creativity. Created during the prolific period of his youth, this artwork is a testament to Picasso’s ability to capture the essence of his subjects in a remarkable and distinctive manner.
“Tête de Jeune Fille” is characterized by Picasso’s Cubist style, a movement he significantly contributed to, and it reflects his exploration of multiple perspectives and fragmentation of form. The young girl’s face is deconstructed into geometric shapes and facets, revealing Picasso’s innovative approach to representing the human form.
This artwork showcases Picasso’s ability to blend classical techniques with avant-garde ideas, providing viewers with a thought-provoking and engaging portrayal of his subject. The use of form in this piece conveys a sense of depth and dimensionality that challenges traditional artistic norms.
This lithograph is from 1947 and is signed and numbered 22 of 50. It comes framed and with provenance.
It is valued at 37.000–46.000 USD, and the bid currently stands at 30.400 USD. An identical lithograph numbered 26 of 50 sold at Swann Galleries for 68.750 USD. So this could truly be a SOLID investment!
See the work and make a bid here at Stockholms Auktionsverk.
That’s it for this week’s auction Top Tips. Stay tuned for more tips and auction lots next week. Every Monday we will keep you posted with the best ways to spend your money!