End of an Era - Higgins Armory Museum to close

Lee · 10th March 2013, 03:13 PM

The financial crisis has claimed another victim:

Higgins Integration

The majority of the collection (but, presumably, none of its best items) is being sold with the first large tranche coming under the hammer on March 20 at Thomas Del Mar in London.

Iain · 10th March 2013, 03:23 PM

Very sad to hear. I never had a chance to visit myself but I it certainly had a wonderful reputation. At least some of the collections are being saved and not all is being sold off.

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.

.

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

10th March 2013, 03:13 PM	#1
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 887	End of an Era - Higgins Armory Museum to close The financial crisis has claimed another victim: Higgins Integration The majority of the collection (but, presumably, none of its best items) is being sold with the first large tranche coming under the hammer on March 20 at Thomas Del Mar in London.

10th March 2013, 05:29 PM	#5
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,638	For those not familiar with the museum characteristic building. . Attached Images

23rd April 2013, 06:24 AM	#6
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 887	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.

10th March 2013, 03:23 PM	#2
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,680	Very sad to hear. I never had a chance to visit myself but I it certainly had a wonderful reputation. At least some of the collections are being saved and not all is being sold off.

10th March 2013, 03:33 PM	#3
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,638	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	#4
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	#7
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,638	Astonishing. I bet the owner of the Alexandria Arsenal Mamluk sword will comission the making of a chest to keep it safe.