Past Auction

Inaugural Boston Auction

Thu, Jun 08, 2023 at 12pm EDT |

Boston / New England

View Lots

Sale Total Surpassed Expectations Amid Competitive Bidding

Download Lot Listing PDF

Successful Inaugural Boston Auction on June 8, 2023
Featuring Artwork, Silver, Furniture, Folk Art & Jewelry
Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions

BOSTON, MA – Doyle’s Inaugural Boston Auction on June 8, 2023 surpassed expectations with spirited competition throughout the sale. Bidders vied for a wide range of property including artwork, furniture, silver, folk art and jewelry from collections and estates in the New England area and beyond. Interest in the inaugural sale was widespread, as successful buyers represented states from coast to coast, as well as countries on four continents.

Scrimshaw Decorated Panbone Plaque - Sold for $31,500
The top lot of the sale was a 19th century scrimshaw-decorated panbone plaque that soared past its $3,000-5,000 estimate to achieve a stunning $31,500. Measuring 18 inches in length, the large panbone plaque was fashioned from a section of a sperm whale’s jawbone. Its scrimshaw decoration accurately and deftly describes the activities of a whaleship flying a British flag off the shore of a volcanic island, probably in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Bidders were drawn to the accomplished work of the scrimshaw artist (or “scrimshander”), and the unusually large size of the plaque. They were likely intrigued by the geometric border, a tantalizing set of initials along that border’s lower edge, and of course the drama taking place in the water.

Arthur Clifton Goodwin – Sold for $30,240
Highlighting the artwork was a marvelous painting depicting Swan Boats, Boston Public Garden by Arthur Clifton Goodwin that far exceeded its estimate of $4,000-6,000 realizing an exceptional $30,240. Beloved for his Impressionist-inspired scenes of Boston, the former banker Arthur Clifton Goodwin (1864-1929) was in fact self-taught. Beginning to paint at age 30 after arriving in Boston, Goodwin was a member of The Guild of Boston Artists and the Boston Society of Water Color Painters. Swan Boats, Boston Public Garden is a prime example of Goodwin’s Impressionist-style color palette and quick, gestural strokes

We Invite You to Auction!

Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction evaluation. Our specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.

For information, please contact:
Kathryn Craig or Chris Barber, 617-999-8254, Boston@Doyle.com