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Glossary of terms used in the auction & selling of antiques

Paintings | Furniture | Jewelry & Timepieces

The following are examples of the terminology used in this catalogue. Please note that all statements and terms in this catalogue are subject to the provisions of the Conditions of Sale (particularly paragraphs 7 and 8) and that the Galleries and Consignors make no warranties or representations with respect to any lot.

Paintings

A. Authorship
1. (Artist)
This is our highest category of authenticity and, as such, indicates that the work, in our best judgment, is by the named artist. (No unqualified statement as to authorship is made or intended.)

2. Attributed to (Artist)
In our best judgment a work of the period and in the style of the artist; may be the work of the artist, in whole or in part, but less certainty of authorship than in the preceding category.

3. School of (Artist)
In our best judgment a work by a pupil or follower of the artist.

4. Circle of (Artist)
In our best judgment a work of the period of the artist and closely related to the artist’s style.

5. After (Artist)
In our best judgment a copy of the known work by the artist.

B. Title
If there is a generally accepted title of the lot, that title is given at the beginning of the description. If the work does not have a title or the title is not known to us, a descriptive title is given.

C. Signature
The signature, inscriptions and dates are transcribed in print as they appear and are located specifically as follows:

l/l: lower left l/r: lower right l/c: lower center
u/l: upper left u/r: upper right u/c: upper center

1. Signed: The signature is, in our opinion, the signature of the artist.
2. Bears Signature: Has a signature which, in our opinion, might be the signature of the artist.

D. Conditions
No statement is implied or intended regarding the imperfections or general condition of a work. If you have questions on the condition of a work, the appropriate department would be glad to provide its opinion, but all works are sold as viewed.

the Seller assumes no risk or responsibility for the authenticity of authorship of lots executed before 1870.

Furniture

George III Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Third Quarter 18th Century
This heading, with date included, means that the piece is, in our opinion, of the period indicated with no major alterations or restorations.

George III Mahogany Chest of Drawers
This heading, without the inclusion of the date, indicates that, in our opinion, the piece, while basically of the period, has undergone significant restoration and alteration.

George III Style Mahogany Chest of Drawers
The inclusion of the word "style" in the heading indicates that, in our opinion, the piece was made as an intentional reproduction of an earlier style.

Bronzes

Antoine-Louis Barye
This heading indicates that the casting and patination were done by the artist or with his direct authorization or supervision.

Cast After a Model by Antoine-Louis Barye
This heading indicates that the casting and patination of a known Barye model were done by another, i.e., artisans at the F. Barbedienne or other foundry.

Ceramics

Meissen Porcelain Cup and Saucer
Late 19th Century
This states that the cup and saucer were made at the Meissen factory in the last quarter of the 19th Century.

Meissen Porcelain Cup and a Saucer
Late 19th Century
Again, this states that the cup and saucer were made at the Meissen factory in the last quarter of the 19th Century, but it also indicates that the cup and saucer may not have been "born" together.

Meissen Porcelain Cup and Saucer
Circa 1900
This states that the cup and saucer were made at the Meissen factory around the year 1900. ‘Meissen’ Porcelain Cup and a Saucer
19th Century
This states that the cup and saucer are of Meissen style, and although of the date specified, not necessarily made at the Meissen factory.

Meissen Porcelain Cup and Saucer
The title without a specific date simply states that the pieces were made at the Meissen factory but does not specify when, implying that their age is questionable.

Jewelry & Timepieces

Important Notices

Please note that colored stones and pearls have not been tested for color enhancement.

 

All gemstone weights are approximations only. Though an independent laboratory grading may be used in the catalog text, we cannot guarantee such gradings.

 

Images shown may appear smaller or larger than actual size.

Although we endeavor to mention in our descriptions significant defects, needed repairs, absent stones and the like, WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE DESCRIPTIONS ARE COMPREHENSIVE. Please examine all watches carefully. It is the responsibility of the prospective bidder, or his agent, to determine the condition of timepieces during the preview. All timepieces are sold "as is". We do not guarantee the accuracy or operation of any watch function such as timekeeping, chronograph, calendar, repeater or register.

We make no judgments as to whether diamond dials or diamond bezels originated at the factory or are later additions.

Detailed condition reports are available for most timepieces. These reports contain more information than the catalog descriptions. Please make your requests for condition reports at least two days prior to the sale date. Condition reports may also be viewed at the watch counter during previews.

The word "recent" in our catalog descriptions means "not vintage", i.e. watches younger than 50 years of age. The word "modern" means styles that may still be current.

Note: The dimensions given are overall tip-to-tip and most often include the lugs.

Case screw-backs have been loosened for examination and viewing and should be resealed for waterproofing.

The following is an explanation of the condition statements used.

1. Excellent: Case with sharp edge detail and possibly with a slight trace of wear; may have minor light surface scratches; case back opening grooves (if any) with sharp detail. Dial with original finish (unless stated) and without toning; the applied indexes (if any) and hands in mint condition. Winding and setting functions were operative at the time of cataloguing (unless otherwise stated) but may need service subsequently. Movement may need service.

2. Very Good: Case edge detail possibly rounded by light wear or polish; may have light surface scratches and small dents; case back opening grooves (if any) possibly with some light burring. Dial possibly with light toning; the applied indexes (if any) and hands in very good condition (unless stated). Movement possibly with a few minor tool marks. Winding and setting functions were operative at the time of cataloguing (unless otherwise stated) but may need service subsequently. Movement may need service.

3. Good: Case possibly with rounded edge detail; may have numerous light to medium surface scratches and some dents; case back opening grooves (if any) possibly with some medium burring. Dial possibly with medium toning (unless stated); the applied indexes (if any) and hands may have light surface scratches and toning. Movements possibly with numerous tool marks. Winding and setting functions were operative at the time of cataloguing (unless otherwise stated) but may need service subsequently. Movement may need service.

 





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