Circle Auction’s recent Spring sale captured the attention of the national publication Antiques and The Arts Weekly in their latest issue. The article highlights the high points of the 2023 Spring Art, Antiques & Jewelry sale, which showcased a diverse range of Americana, fine art, jewelry, Native American and Asian art, as well as historic documents. 

Wide Range of Bidder Participation:

“We were excited to see the wide range of bidder participation,” shared Michael Fry, co-founder of Circle Auction. The auction’s appeal was enhanced by its diverse array of items, including historically significant Revolutionary War era documents and artwork by renowned artists such as Birger Sandzen, Norma Bassett Hall, and Robert Sudlow. The auction’s unique offerings attracted strong participation from both local and national collectors including bidders from 39 states and 21 countries, generating an auction total of $102,705.

George Washington Handwritten Letter: 

The undisputed highlight of the auction was a handwritten letter from George Washington. James Fry, the creative director and co-founder of Circle Auction, expressed his delight at handling such a historically significant piece. “Being able to handle a piece of history like that was a real honor,” he said. The 1797 letter, written to Ludwell Lee of Shuter’s Hill, Alexandria, Va., sold for $11,300 after a spirited bidding war between local online bidders and an out-of-state phone bidder.

Land Grant Signed by John Adams and John Marshall:

Another notable item in the auction was an 1800 land grant signed by President John Adams and his secretary of state, John Marshall. This document, entrusted to Colonel Alexander Spotswood, represents a pivotal period in American history. Bidders eagerly competed for this piece, which ultimately sold for $7,140 to a former Kansas gubernatorial candidate with a deep appreciation for American history.

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Antiques and Regionalist Art:

The auction also featured a diverse selection of art and antiques that appealed to a wide range of interests. The fine art category was led by Robert Sudlow’s captivating oil on canvas titled “November Woods,” which fetched a price of $3,300. Sudlow’s exceptional artwork, influenced by his training under Richard Diebenkorn and his service as a Navy rescue pilot in World War II, resonated with collectors and art enthusiasts alike. Lithographs by Birger Sandzen and Norma Bassett Hall saw strong bidder interest as well. Native American enthusiasts were captivated by a Navajo stylized third phase chief’s blanket, crafted from hand-spun wool with aniline dyes. Dating back to the 1920s, this textile exceeded expectations, selling for $3,800. The antiques category was rounded out by a Chinese carved jadeite pendant, which saw lots of pre-auction interest, and achieved a final sale price of $1,300. 

The full Antiques and The Arts Weekly article highlighting the auction can be found in their June 9, 2023 edition under the title “Americana Of All Kinds At Circle Auction  – Auction Action In Kansas City, MO” on page four.

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