1963 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster - CSX2135, Early Rack and Pinion Demonstrator. Estimate $1,900,000 - $2,200,000. Photo by David Newhardt, Courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

Shelby-built AC Cobras have always had a strong following. For both Carroll Shelby and many buyers back in the day, however, what was considered most important was not simply style but functionality. Being offered here is the 1963 Cobra CSX21350 used as a corporate demonstrator for Shelby’s recent change to rack-and-pinion steering. Working together, AC Cars engineer Alan Turner and Shelby engineer Phil Remington had adopted this system into the Cobra’s transverse-spring suspension after the original AC worm-and-sector design resulted in erratic steering conditions in competition. The result was the Mark II model designation, making this car’s changes an important link in the evolution of Shelby production cars.

The car was brought into the United States by sea on the SS American Commander through New York City in June of 1963. It was assigned to the sales promotion pool at Dearborn and invoiced to Ford executive Jacques Passino. CSX2135 along with four other Cobras were subsequently placed under the purview of Ford’s Kansas City District Office for dealer use and media coverage. This car received the “Class A” accessory group, including the luggage rack, wind wings, chrome-plated bumperettes, a rear-view mirror mounted to the dash, quick-fill gas cap, and Whitewall tires on Shelby chrome 5.5-inch wire wheels with “AC” knock-offs.

Following that important role, and showing just over 5,300 miles, it was returned directly to Shelby American in mid-1964 via a Ford work order to be refurbished and sold. This factory effort included additional upgrades like the new 6-inch painted wire-spoke wheels, plus a new windshield, new carpet, new soft top and side curtains. A coat of Lucite White paint, seat belts, fresh mufflers and rear-bumper overriders finished it off. Shelby sold the car for $4,250 to Beverly Hills Sports Cars in March 1965.
Its extensive ownership history since that time is noted in the Shelby registry. In 1999, its then-current owner commissioned a no-expense-spared renewal of the rare car, changing the color to a rich Midnight Blue with a well-appointed Black leather interior. The vehicle was upgraded with race-type spline-drive PSE-built FIA Halibrand 6.5-inch 6-spoke knock-off wheels and Weber down-draft carburetors as well. Formerly owned in California its entire 35-year existence, that fact changed in 1999 when John Carollo purchased CSX2135 and moved it to Colorado. Since he drove the car with some regularity, the original 289 CI engine was removed and placed in storage and the driveline then updated in 2006 to a more modern 347 CI Ford engine, which resides in the car today.

With this great legacy, CSSX2135 is an exceptional vehicle in beautiful condition, requiring virtually no changes for the discerning collector wanting a functionally modern example of this American icon. Nonetheless, the car’s correct original 289 CI engine, as well as a set of correct chromed wire-spoke 5.5-inch Shelby wheels, will be included in the sale. With this unique car and its background recognized in the Shelby Registry, it is being made available for your acquisition to add the next chapter in a storied history.

Mecum Monterey 2015

1964 Jaguar E-Type Roadster -  3.8/265 HP, 4-Speed. Estimate $145,000 - $165,000. Photo by David Newhardt, Courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

"The greatest crumpet collector known to man,” is how Road & Track Magazine described the Jaguar E-Type in a 1964 road test review, and while they admitted that attributing sex appeal to a car was the most hackneyed of marketing ploys, they found its use, especially when describing the E-Type, irresistible. The Jaguar XKE has been eliciting wolf whistles for more than 50 years now, and it will for as long as there examples to ogle. Its long hood, covered headlights rearward cockpit and chromed knock-off wire wheels suggest the athletic sleekness of its Jaguar namesake, but there is more than classic beauty at play; the XKE’s racing pedigree is evident in every feature. Twin-cam engines, all-independent suspensions and four-wheel disc brakes are common to the most rudimentary vehicles today, but they were the stuff of European exotica when this 1964 E-Type roadster was built, and it had all those features in a beautiful package that still excites the senses. Previously part of a private collection, the car was the subject of a comprehensive restoration that included removing and refurbishing the entire front subassembly, including the triple-carbureted 3.8L/265 HP inline-6 engine and 4-speed manual transmission. An early “flat floor” model built before the change to sunken floors, it is finished in Carmen Red with a Tan top, and features a very sharp new Tan leather interior. Jag enthusiasts love the racy feel of the E-Type cockpit, one evoked by its wood-rimmed steering wheel (straight from the Le Mans-winning D-Type racers), purposeful bucket seats and Smiths gauges. Of the various E-Types produced over the years, early versions such as this remain among the most desirable. 

Mecum Monterey 2015

1965 Porsche 356SC Cabriolet - Certificate of Authenticity. Estimate $250,000 - $325,000. Photo by David Newhardt, Courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

The Porsche 356 series established the marque as a serious sports car manufacturer with an incomparable record in competition. Produced from 1948 to 1965, the seminal 356 was succeeded by the 356A in 1954, the 356B in 1959 and in 1964 the 356C, the first Porsche with four-wheel disc brakes and a new option that gave buyers the most powerful pushrod engine ever produced by Porsche, the 95 HP SC flat-6. By this time Porsche’s tradition of incremental improvements was integral to its reputation, but one thing that never changed was its long association with Karosseriesfabrik Reutter & Co. of Stuttgart. Established in 1906, Reutter’s partnership with Porsche began in 1932 with the original Volkswagen and continued until Porsche acquired the firm outright in 1963.

Completed on September 15, 1964, this 1965 356SC Reutter Cabriolet represents the ultimate iteration of the 356C and left the factory as a stripped-down road-going machine with only a handful of options: driver’s-side outside mirror, tinted windshield and Michelin tires. Carrying serial number 161161 and engine number 812921, it was originally finished in Champagne Yellow paint with a Black leather interior. Formerly owned by Don Davis, the car was sold on a string to the Dennis Higginbotham Collection, purchased back by Mr. Davis and reunited with its stable mates in his collection. It underwent a comprehensive restoration by a Porsche-specialty restoration facility, during which desirable options such as chrome wheels, Blaupunkt three-band radio, C steering wheel with wood rim and Carrera deluxe horn ring and dash-mounted factory exterior temperature gauge were added and the interior was changed to its present Green leather fitment. This final evolution of the 356 shows excellent fit and finish throughout, and now shows 42,100 miles on the odometer. It is accompanied with the owner’s manual, tool roll, full-size chrome spare wheel and a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

Mecum Monterey 2015

Bergdorf Goodman Archives. Coctail & Evening Dresses: Jacques Griffe

Bergdorf Goodman Archives. Coctail & Evening Dresses: Jacques Heim

Manteau de robe à la française, milieu du XVIIIe siècle. Estimation : 4 000-6 000 € © 2015 Daguerre

En damas lampas des Indes bleu et crème à décor de rinceaux de pivoines et grenades très probablement de fabrication chinoise, (largeur inhabituelle du lé de 73 cm). Manteau à compères fermés par 10 boutons en pareil paré de falbalas bouillonnés soulignés d’une crête garnie de sourcils de hanneton, manches à engageantes festonnées, dos à plis watteau. Intérieur doublé en toiles de lin sur le corsage, dos lacé. 

Daguerre. Blanc – Mode adulte et enfantine, 10/11/2015. Drouot, salle 5

A Gathering of Literati, handscroll, ink and colours on silk, attributed to Qiu Ying (1494? – 1552), but an exquisite 18th century copy. Intended Gift of Robin Bassett.

VICTORIA, BC.- Traditional Chinese culture treasures all things related to the scholar’s studio, where most of the nation’s art and literature were created. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria invites you to appreciate the scholar’s studio for yourself during the exhibition Treasures of the Chinese Scholar's Studio, running August 14 to November 15, 2015. 

“Chinese scholars were the educated and privileged elite—officials, academics, poets, calligraphers, painters and connoisseurs,” says AGGV’s Asian Arts curator Barry Till. “They were highly esteemed, and their tastes and artwork had tremendous influence on their country’s culture.” 

The AGGV’s stunning collection of 200 treasures gives Gallery visitors a glimpse into the life of a Chinese scholar. The exhibition includes pieces from the Shang dynasty (16 to 11 century BCE), to the later Ming dynasty (17 century ADE) and Qing dynasty (early 19 century ADE) and includes many recently donated pieces, which have never been previously exhibited. The artifacts include the scholar’s studio materials, their antiques and their works of art. 

“A Chinese scholar’s studio would have been strewn with brushes, inkstones, paper, seals, paper weights, teapots, wine cups, incense burners and antiques,” says Till, who curated the exhibition. “The most important were known as the four treasures, and they were the essentials, brush, ink, inkstone, and paper.” 

The exhibition includes 20 important ancient inkstones recently donated to the AGGV. Inkstones are the stones used for the grinding and containment of ink, and because the stone affects the texture of the ink, for serious calligraphers and painters, a good inkstone is as important as good ink. 

In conjunction with the exhibition, Dr. Jordan Paper will present a lecture that highlights the relevance of sealstones, inkstones and rocks as they pertain to Daoist aesthetics upheld by Chinese scholars. The Rocks, Stones and Seals: An Excursion into Daoist Aesthetics lecture is September 9 at 2:00 p.m. Barry Till will lead a Curator’s Tour on Wednesday September 30 from 2: 00 to 3:00 p.m. and both events are included with Gallery admission or membership.

A highly decorative badger hair brush dating to the Ming Dynasty. -- often made from rabbit fur (most common), human baby hair, or even mouse whiskers -- could be so thick as to require two hands to use or so fine as to come down to a point consisting of one bristle.

An inkstick made in the form of lotus leaves and flowers. While ink seems to be a fairly mundane item to consider a treasure, it was nonetheless quite significant to the Chinese scholar (or else how would the artwork be created?). Made from a simple mixture of pine soot and glue, inkstones could be quite beautiful in their own right. 

Another of the treasures was the scholar's paper. Simple, yet beautifully elegant. The scholar's paper was often fashioned from rice husks (more expensive) or mulberry bark (more affordable).

A Duan Inkstone in the shape of a pond. The inkstone could be extrememly intricate works of art. The stones were used to grind the ink stick into powder, which was then mixed with water in a well in the inkstone to produce usable ink. Inkstone production reached its zenith in the Tang and Song dynasties. 

A Platinum, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, 6.20 dwts Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring, Harry Winston. Estimate $ 70,000-90,000. © 2015 Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Inc.

containing one octagonal step cut emerald measuring approximately 14.30 x 13.18 x 9.08 mm and weighing approximately 11.31 carats, and two triangular brilliant cut diamonds measuring approximately 8.92 x 8.52 x 4.21 and 8.83 x 8.95 x 4.16 mm respectively and weighing approximately 3.14 carats total. Stamp: Winston OR750 Pt 950 (maker's mark). Accompanied by a box signed Harry Winston.

Accompanied by an American Gemological Laboratories emerald identification and origin certificate number CS 68897, dated July 16, 2015, stating Mineral Type: Natural Beryl, Variety: Emerald, Origin: Colombia, Clarity Enhancement: Insignificant to Minor, Type: Traditional.

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.  Important Jewelry / Estate of Rita Dee Hassenfel. September 16 2015 5:30 PM - contact jewelrycr@lesliehindman.com 

An 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Emerald and Diamond Cuff Bracelet, Harry Winston. Estimate $ 25,000-35,000. © 2015 Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Inc.

containing 502 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 10.05 carats total, 28 baguette cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.24 carats total, and 56 calibre cut emeralds weighing approximately 10.82 carats total, hinged base. Stamp: WINSTON OR750 (maker's mark). Accompanied by a pouch signed Harry Winston.

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.  Important Jewelry / Estate of Rita Dee Hassenfel. September 16 2015 5:30 PM - contact jewelrycr@lesliehindman.com 

A Platinum, Cultured South Sea Pearl and Diamond Bracelet, Harry Winston. Estimate $ 25,000-35,000. © 2015 Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Inc.

n a stylized foliate motif, consisting of numerous overlapping platinum petals accented with 10 baroque pearls measuring approximately 11.35-13.84 mm in diameter, the petals containing numerous pave set round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 21.00 carats total, hidden clasp. Accompanied by an additional platinum and diamond set link. Accompanied by an inner pouch and outer box signed Harry Winston.

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.  Important Jewelry / Estate of Rita Dee Hassenfel. September 16 2015 5:30 PM - contact jewelrycr@lesliehindman.com 

A Pair of Gold Plated Platinum and Diamond Earclips, Harry Winston. Estimate $ 20,000-30,000. © 2015 Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Inc.

in an articulated design composed of numerous linked, flexible basket settings forming a hoop, the earclips containing 28 marquise cut diamonds weighing approximately 4.60 carats total and 48 pear shape diamonds weighing approximately 9.31 carats total. First earclip stamp: 7779. Second earclip stamp: (obscured). Accompanied by a pouch signed Harry Winston. 

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.  Important Jewelry / Estate of Rita Dee Hassenfel. September 16 2015 5:30 PM - contact jewelrycr@lesliehindman.com 

A Chinese Langyao vase, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Estimate £4,000 - £6,000 ($6,264 - $9,396). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The slender baluster vase covered in a crackle-suffused glaze of deep crushed strawberry tone thinning to a pale whitish-blue hue; 16 ¼ in. (41.2 cm.) high

Provenance: Formerly from a private French collection.

CHRISTIE'S INTERIORS - INCLUDING ASIAN WORKS OF ART, 9 September 2015 - London, South Kensington

A Chinese powder blue-ground and gilt-decorated rouleau vase, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Estimate £2,000 – £3,000 ($3,132 - $4,698). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The vase is decorated in gilt to the exterior with two rectangular panels, one containing flowering peony branches beside two ducks and the other with three large chrysanthemum blooms, all between further chrysanthemum scrolls, and pomegranate-form cartouches enclosing fish, shrimp and various foliage, the neck is decorated with four phoenix roundels; 16½ in. (41.9 cm.) high

CHRISTIE'S INTERIORS - INCLUDING ASIAN WORKS OF ART, 9 September 2015 - London, South Kensington

Three Chinese turquoise-glazed vases and a peach shaped 'bat' teapot, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Estimate £2,000 – £3,000 ($3,132 - $4,698). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The pair of pear shaped vases with moulded ribbed decoration and two handles applied to the flaring necks; the ovoid vase with purple splashes to the turquoise ground; and the peach shaped teapot with the spout modelled as an open winged bat, the base also moulded with three bats and an aperture at the top of the body. The largest 12 ¼ in. (31 cm.) high, wood stands

CHRISTIE'S INTERIORS - INCLUDING ASIAN WORKS OF ART, 9 September 2015 - London, South Kensington

A group of six Chinese turquoise ceramics, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Estimate £1,000 – £1,500 ($1,566 - $2,349). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Comprising a large Buddhist lion, a recumbent dog, a small bottle vase, a small cong vase and two small turquoise and purple glazed Buddhist lion incense stick holders. The largest 6 in. (15.2 cm.) high, wood stands

CHRISTIE'S INTERIORS - INCLUDING ASIAN WORKS OF ART, 9 September 2015 - London, South Kensington

An Art Deco Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Onyx and Enamel Lapel Watch, Cartier. Estimate $ 100,000-150,000. © 2015 Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Inc.

consisting of a lapel pendant watch measuring approximately 130.00 x 27.00 mm, the top in an openwork geometric motif, containing numerous old European and single cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.48 carats total, four baguette cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.53 carat total, three half moon shape brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.88 carat total, two square step cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.10 carat total, and two round cabochon cut emeralds weighing approximately 0.65 carat total, the top supporting a bifurcated drop consisting of geometric terminals and pave set rondelles containing numerous old European and round single cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.77 carats total and two drilled emerald beads weighing approximately 2.60 carats total, spaced and accented with onyx rondelles and buff tops, the detachable bottom section composed of a single melon form drilled emerald bead measuring approximately 11.15 x 10.78 x 10.75 mm suspending additional black enamel and onyx rondelles separating pave set sections above a domed emerald measuring approximately 23.50 x 13.85 mm, carved in a foliate pattern and drilled, the base capped with a fluted platinum bezel containing numerous old European and single cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.36 carats total and 10 rose cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.03 carat total along with numerous calibre cut buff top onyx, the platinum base section enclosing a concealed watch within a black enamel surround, the circular white dial signed CARTIER FRANCE, Roman numerals, blued steel hands, concealed crown. Top section brooch fitting stamp: CARTIER. Detachable drop pendant stamp: 03210. 

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.  Important Jewelry / Estate of Rita Dee Hassenfel. September 16 2015 5:30 PM - contact jewelrycr@lesliehindman.com 

A pair of Chinese blue overlay glass 'squirrel and grape' vases, 19th century. Estimate £2,500 – £4,000 ($3,915 - $6,264). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Each vase is carved through the dark blue overlay with grapes hanging from vines and squirrels on branches, revealing the opaque white ground; 7 7/8 in. (20 cm.) high

Provenance: With Horstmann & Godfrey Ltd., Hong Kong

Property from The Geronimo Berenguer de Los Reyes, Jr. Collection

CHRISTIE'S INTERIORS - INCLUDING ASIAN WORKS OF ART, 9 September 2015 - London, South Kensington

Jianyao Teabowl with ‘Hare’s Fur Glaze’, Song Dynasty (960-1279). Estimate 5,500 Euro. Photo Auctionata AG.

Jianyao ceramic with a darker brown body and a black-brown, stripe-shaped glaze. Conical bowl with slightly raised foot rim. Dense glaze, which runs from the mouth edge to the foot in the shades of rusty brown to shiny-black. Above the foot an irregular glaze finish with a thickened droplet formation. Dimensions: 6.5 x 12.5 cm

This fine ceramic bowl is comparable in form and decoration to bowls of the Harvard University Art Museum (acc. no. 1931,262, 1940.3, etc.).

Literature: Cf. Eskenazi ‘Song ceramics from the Hans Popper collection’, London 2005, ‘Sekai toji Zenshu’, vol. 10, Tokyo 1955, p. 61.

Auctionata AG. Asian Art. Monday, Aug 24, 2015, 12 pm EDT - Berlin

Qingbai Bowl with Molded Flower Décor Inside, Song Dynasty (960-1279). Estimate 1,600 Euro. Photo Auctionata AG.

Ceramic with turquoise Qingbai glaze. Deep bowl. Tapered body to the circular base rim. Fine, thin wall with a slightly inclined outwardly mouth rim. Fine flower décor inside. Glaze with beautiful luster and bluish-white color. Craquelure inside and outside. Height: 7 cm. Diameter: 20.5 cm 

Qingbai ware
Qingbai ware has been made with a special method in Jingdezhen and numerous other South Chinese kiln sites since the Song Dynasty. The basic material is white but the glaze is tinted, giving it the characteristic greenish colour. Qingbai objects were made for everyday use.

Auctionata AG. Asian Art. Monday, Aug 24, 2015, 12 pm EDT - Berlin

Qingbai Ewer with Molded Lotus Décor, Song Dynasty(960-1279).  Estimate 1,000 Euro. Photo Auctionata AG.

Ceramic with turquoise Qingbai glaze. Jug with handle in Islamic-style. Bulbous body on a flat foot rim. Narrow neck with a inclined sweeping mouth. Long curved spout. Elegant strap handle with a small cylindrical element. Wall with lotus flower décor. Glaze with beautiful luster and greenish-white color. Height: 20.5 cm

Auctionata AG. Asian Art. Monday, Aug 24, 2015, 12 pm EDT - Berlin