KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Pierce Auction Service demonstrated the versatility necessary for a good auction company, quickly moving from 18th century to contemporary art, while also delving into art pottery, historical artifacts and then moving on to household items at a recent consignment and partial estate sale.

Before the sale, Jim Pierce’s auction facility was filled with consignments containing everything from glass items in every size, shape, and color to furniture to postcards to books. One consignment was particularly attractive to those looking for a new art piece for their walls. An oil on board by Pieter Kluyver and a large modern lithograph by Peter Max were the two that found the most interest.

Pieter Lodewijk Francisco Kluyver (1816-1900) was a Dutch artist who lived and worked in Amsterdam. He was known for painting panoramic landscapes similar to those painted by 17th century Dutch painters. His works can be found in museums in Groningen, Amsterdam and The Hague and here was one in Kalamazoo, Mich. This painting, a country landscape, found several interested bidders resulting in a final selling price of $1,900.

Contrasting to this old, traditional painting was a very large lithograph by Peter Max. This piece was so large that it was kept displayed in the office to avoid any type of damage. Peter Max is one of the most famous living artists. His paintings have bold colors and are very diverse. He has painted for six presidents of the United States and one can find his works on display in Presidential libraries and United States Embassies in addition to many art museums. This piece, Discovery, was enhanced by his signature on the back personalizing it to Frank and Leslie, Max The hammer fell at $1,100 for this piece.

Other art pieces found at this auction included: an unsigned oil on canvas of a hunting scene that sold for $400; a Calder print from 1973 that earned $170; and an collector print of Abraham Lincoln (39/50) by Jacob Laundau that saw $55.

A Peter Max poster sold for $65; Mermaids by Allan Reid (a listed artist) earned $60; and a modern art painting by Tom Anderson (also a listed artist) in yellow, red, teal, black, and white crossed the block for $50.

In 1910 the University of North Dakota’s (UND) School of Mines hired Margaret Cable to oversee the making of drain tiles, sewer tiles, and pottery. The reason for this was to promote the high quality clays. Over the years pottery from the UND School of Mines has become very desirable and collectible. A matte green vase marked ND School of Mines was presented and is now in the hands of a new owner.

Also desirable in pottery is that produced by Robert Eickholt. A pulled feather vase in blue sold for $100 and is now probably sitting in a place of honor in a china cabinet someplace. A blue Kosta Boda bowl earned $120.

The first of the on-site auctions was held in one of the older houses in Kalamazoo, Mich. This house sits well back from the street, has several mature trees, and has always been one of the houses in the city that attracts the eye of the passerby. The house was open because it was to be put up for sale allowing one satisfy their curiosity about the layout of this home. It is hoped that the person who purchases it will appreciate the tile floors. The tiles were in the foyer and dining room and up the stairs. It is thought that the tiles were from the Pewabic Pottery in Detroit, Mich. There were some there who wished that they could pull the tiles out and purchase them. It was also interesting to note the tall, steep stairway in the garage that the maid had to negotiate every day.

As this was an auction to dispose of all the personal property the items ranged from the old to the collectible to the new and useful. An older ornate carved oak dining room set comprised of a buffet, server, a tall sideboard, and a table and chairs sold for $330.

On the practical side there was a Whirlpool refrigerator freezer that sold for $175; and two electric wheelchairs that sold for $125 and $110 each.

It was off to Allegan, Michigan for the second of the on-site auctions. Allegan is a small town about 30 miles northwest of Kalamazoo. The Kalamazoo River runs through it and its one claim to fame is that it has the longest county fair parade in the country each year. It is also the hometown of General Pritchard who led the men who captured Jefferson Davis at the end of the Civil War.

As in the on-site auction in Kalamazoo, this was being held to dispose of an entire estate so the items offered ranged from the old to the new.

The older furniture pieces were the most desirable. A curved-glass china cabinet sold for $175; a dresser with an oval mirror in a harp frame saw $160; and a marble-top dresser crossed the block for $325. A Victorian double bed with an ornate headboard sold for $310; and a lift-chair (one of the more modern pieces) earned $200.

There always seems to be a hunter who wants or needs a gun safe for his guns. The gun safe offered here sold for $450.

Although it was not needed in Michigan as much this winter it was still a desirable item - the Cub Cadet snow blower that crossed the block for $390.

So, if you need to settle an estate, have a partial estate, or wish to discontinue collecting an item and wish to dispose of the collection you have, call an auctioneer. For additional information contact Jim Pierce at: (269) 349-8485; by email at pierceauction@earthlink.net or check out his website at www.pierceauctionalamo.com.