End of an Era - Higgins Armory Museum to close

fernando · 10th March 2013, 03:33 PM

One the worst events for arms and armour enthusiasts of this time being period. I can imagine how many, including yourself Lee, become aware of this announcement with the saddest feeling.
I had the privilege to have recently visited this charismatic place.
Let us hope that its best contents will be kept and still in public exhibition in its new residence.

A Senefelder · 10th March 2013, 03:58 PM

I've known about this for several days. I've donated stuff for thier educational program as well as financially over the years. David Nagel's wife ( used to head the educational department ) kidnapped my daughter when she was 4 for most of a day back in the 90's on a visit there and took her on a personal tour. I have friends who teach classes there in various aspects of WMA. This is as sad a day as ever thier was as this invaluable resource announces its closing.

fernando · 10th March 2013, 05:29 PM

For those not familiar with the museum characteristic building.

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Lee · 23rd April 2013, 06:24 AM

The selection of items from the Higgins performed strongly with many objects exceeding the high estimate several times over.

Similar performance was seen at Bonham's auction of items from the E. A. Christensen collection.

There is nothing like solid, well documented provenance to bring up the price.

fernando · 23rd April 2013, 01:40 PM

Astonishing.
I bet the owner of the Alexandria Arsenal Mamluk sword will comission the making of a chest to keep it safe.

kai · 24th April 2013, 07:28 AM

Hello Lee,

Quote:

The selection of items from the Higgins performed strongly with many objects exceeding the high estimate several times over.

Well, I'd posit that most estimates were classic English understatement or a mere selling strategy to begin with rather than true estimates of current market prices.

Still, there is no doubt that the provenance also encouraged investment bidders and allowed quite a few pieces to perform very strongly.

Regards,
Kai

Gavin Nugent · 24th April 2013, 12:51 PM

I'm just happy I bought something. Apart from the reputation, the long lines of provenance are very interesting and are a rarity to find, something which offers very good insight in to items that are some times hard to date.

Gavin

Lee · 24th April 2013, 04:22 PM

Kai - I'll agree that the auction houses deliberately low ball their estimate ranges to bring more punters in the door. 'English understatement' is a nice euphemism for the practice. I bid on an item in the Christensen sale and was doubtful of my chances even at 2x the high estimate. I was not even the underbidder and it went for 6x.

freebooter - Congratulations; I'll look forward to seeing your new acquisition.

10th March 2013, 05:29 PM	#3
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	For those not familiar with the museum characteristic building. . Attached Images

23rd April 2013, 06:24 AM	#4
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 967	There is nothing like provenance... The selection of items from the Higgins performed strongly with many objects exceeding the high estimate several times over. Similar performance was seen at Bonham's auction of items from the E. A. Christensen collection. There is nothing like solid, well documented provenance to bring up the price.

24th April 2013, 04:22 PM	#8
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 967	true Kai - I'll agree that the auction houses deliberately low ball their estimate ranges to bring more punters in the door. 'English understatement' is a nice euphemism for the practice. I bid on an item in the Christensen sale and was doubtful of my chances even at 2x the high estimate. I was not even the underbidder and it went for 6x. freebooter - Congratulations; I'll look forward to seeing your new acquisition.

10th March 2013, 03:33 PM	#1
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	One the worst events for arms and armour enthusiasts of this time being period. I can imagine how many, including yourself Lee, become aware of this announcement with the saddest feeling. I had the privilege to have recently visited this charismatic place. Let us hope that its best contents will be kept and still in public exhibition in its new residence.

10th March 2013, 03:58 PM	#2
A Senefelder Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 214	I've known about this for several days. I've donated stuff for thier educational program as well as financially over the years. David Nagel's wife ( used to head the educational department ) kidnapped my daughter when she was 4 for most of a day back in the 90's on a visit there and took her on a personal tour. I have friends who teach classes there in various aspects of WMA. This is as sad a day as ever thier was as this invaluable resource announces its closing.

23rd April 2013, 01:40 PM	#5
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Astonishing. I bet the owner of the Alexandria Arsenal Mamluk sword will comission the making of a chest to keep it safe.

24th April 2013, 12:51 PM	#7
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	I'm just happy I bought something. Apart from the reputation, the long lines of provenance are very interesting and are a rarity to find, something which offers very good insight in to items that are some times hard to date. Gavin