20K Banjo Sets the Tune for Cottone Auction in Geneseo

GENESEO — A $20,000 banjo was sold off during a Fine Arts Antiques auction held at Cottone’s gallery from Sept. 23-24.

According to a press release from Cottone Auction’s, a Gibson PT 6 Plectrum Tenor flathead banjo, completely unaltered and in a plush lined case, rose to a price of $20,300.

“We’ve been riding a wave of successful auctions, and our only goal for this one was to match or exceed the successful March auction that grossed $1.7 million,” said Matt Cottone of Cottone Auctions. “This auction bested that figure by about $400,000, so I’d say we hit our goal.

Around 200 people per day attended the event live, while hundreds more participated online via LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. In addition, close to 1,000 phone and left bids were recorded.

By the time it was all over, the auction had grossed a robust $2.1 million.

“In today’s market, we tend to be selective about what we take on, and it’s been a winning strategy,” said Cottone.

Cottone Auctions’ next big sale will be another two-day Fine Art & Antiques Auction, planned for sometime in November (time and dates to be announced). Then, in early January, Cottone Auctions will conduct its annual Fine Art Auction, typically a premier event on the company’s calendar. Watch the website for details, dates and information, at www.cottoneauctions.com.

Here are some of the other highlights from the auction:

A rare Waltham gilt front banjo girandole clock, with the original signed and painted dial and original reverse painted Aurora glass and thermometer, made $28,750.

A Kashmir sapphire and diamond ladies’ vintage ring in a platinum and gold setting sold for $103,500. The ring doubled its pre-sale estimate and was knocked down after a spirited bidding war between the floor and phones.

A rare Tiffany Studios (N.Y.) leaded glass Geranium lamp with a signed shade and three-arm bronze and art glass candlestick base was bought for $52,325.

A signed oil on canvas painting by Hans Zatzka (Austrian, 1858-1945), titled Three Women Near Pool Feeding Swans, 23 inches by 31 inches and housed in the original carved and gilded frame, gaveled for $28,900; and an aquatint and carborundum etching, signed by Joan Miro (Sp., 1893-1983), done in 1969 and titled Le Chassseur de Pieuvres, hit $16,100.

Cottone Auctions is always seeking quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, call (585) 243-1000; or, you can e-mail them at info@cottoneauctions.com. Cottone Auctions’ gallery, at 120 Court Street in Geneseo, N.Y. (zip code: 14454) is located just south of Rochester and east of Buffalo. For directions and all other inquiries call (585) 243-1000.