12-22-2023 4:05am

EGG-NOG AUCTION

Portrait Of Hawaiian Chiefess Earns Crown In Opfer Auction

TIMONIUM, MD — Richard Opfer Auctioneering, Inc conducted its Annual Eggnog Auction on Thursday, December 14. Among the notable lots were paintings, prints and artwork; jewelry and watches; antique and collectible firearms; carpets; porcelain; and furniture.

A portrait, “Liliha, Wife of Boki” in the manner of Charles Bird King (American, 1785-1862), had a regal finish, surpassing its estimate by astonishing margins.

Expected within the range of $500-$1,000, the framed 12-by-10-inch half-portrait of the Hawaiian High Chiefess was won by an in-house bidder for $207,000, including buyer’s premium. More information about the Eggnog Auction will be featured in an upcoming issue.

Proven leader in the Antiques, Estates, Real Estate and Collectibles Industry!

Recognized Authority in the Toy and Collectibles Industry
Full Service Auctioneering Firm Since 1970
Selling to and Consignee for Major Institutions, Collectors, and the General Public
Consultation and Appraisal Services
Collection Management Services
Unparalleled Personal Property Marketing
Real Estate and Business Liquidation Services

Richard Opfer Auctioneering, Inc. has met the needs of both buyer and seller with an unmatched reputation for honesty and integrity, complemented by unequaled service and expertise. We’ve gained our customers’ trust and confidence by combining all these qualities into one simple philosophy: work harder than anyone else in the business. The results have made us one of the industry’s leaders.

At Richard Opfer Auctioneering, Inc., we put the industrywide-recognized advantages of the “auction method” to work for you. The established, systematic, proven selling strategy is a time-tested procedure for success, outperforming any other marketing approach. Under the auction method, your commodity will realize its highest economic value – meaning the highest profits for you.

A full slate of auctions is held throughout the year in our spacious Timonium, Maryland gallery, just minutes from the Baltimore Beltway. From one item to an entire collection, Richard Opfer Auctioneering, Inc., consistently maximizes consignor return – and satisfaction. Call us today, (410) 252-5035, and put the Opfer Auctioneering Advantage to work for you.

Richard W. Opfer, Jr.

FUN FACTS:

Attended the Reppert School of Auctioneering – in 1969. He’s been selling ever since.
Started having auctions at this location beginning in 1978.
Has had in excess of 1000 auctions at Timonium gallery (and counting!)
Most expensive item – 1893 World’s Fair Soda Fountain for $5,175,000 on March 25, 2012
Has sold over 1,000,000 items
The Schmidt Museum Collection auction series (three sales) grossed $11,983,318.00 (including 18% Buyer’s Premium)
Set a world’s record for the MOST EXPENSIVE TOY – waaaay back in December 5, 1991 – sold an Ives Hippodrome Chariot toy for $90,200

EDUCATION:

The Reppert School of Auctioneering in Decatur, Indiana, 1972
New York University, Certificate of Intensified Appraisal Studies, 1990
Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI), 1986 (Received top honors)

EXPERIENCE:

Involved in the antique business and conducting auction sales since 1970.
Conducts over 100 real estate, antique, and personal property auctions per year as Richard Opfer Auctioneering, Inc.
Attends numerous auctions, antique shows and related events each year, to keep abreast of current market and replacement values.
Testified before the District Court as an expert witness and qualified appraiser.
Served as consultant at Mint and Boxed Toy Auction for Christies, New York.

Held the following auctions as Richard Opfer Auctioneering, Inc. or served as primary auctioneer for:

The Estate of Eugene Sussel
The Collection of Roger Steckler (Pocket Mirrors and Tip Trays)
The Estate of Robert McCauley (Swords & Weapons, Indian Items, Antiques)
The Estate of Robert Brocksbank (Black Americana)
The Advertising Collection of Phil & Karol Atkinson
The Collection of Albert Hendler (Cap guns & Advertising)
The Mahopac Farm Museum Auction
The Cloisters’ Children’s Museum (Antiques & Fine Art)
The Detroit Antique Toy Museum
The Charles Duff Mechanical Bank and Toy Estate
The Legendary Collection of George Haney (Advertising and Toys)
The Bill Norman Collection of Mechanical Banks
The Tom Anderson Collection (Toys and Folk Art)
The Gottschalk Collection of Automobilia
The Larry Schafle Collection (Toys, Folk Art, Indian Items)
The Jimmy Friedman Collection (Comic character toys)
The Edgar and Donna Orchard Collection (Black Americana)

Community Activities and Fund Raisers
Presides regularly over many charity auctions, including:

American Lung Association
United Cerebral Palsy
American Cancer Society
Homeless Charities
Children’s Charities
Conservation Organizations
Various local schools and academies

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

National Auctioneers Association (NAA)
Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI)
Maryland Auctioneers Association
Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association
Licensed in Maryland, Kentucky, Virginia, and Pennsylvania
Attended the Reppert School of Auctioneering – in 1969. He’s been selling ever since.
Started having auctions at this location beginning in 1978.
He’s had in excess of 1000 auctions here (and counting!)
Most expensive item – 1893 World’s Fair Soda Fountain sold for $5,310,000 on March 25, 2012
Sold over 1,000,000 items
The Schmidt Museum Collection auction series (three sales) grossed $11,983,318.00 (including 18% Buyer’s Premium)
Set a world’s record for the MOST EXPENSIVE TOY – waaaay back in December 5, 1991 – sold an Ives Hippodrome Chariot toy for $90,200