In January we profiled the upcoming sale of 7 pieces from the reference set for John Henry Belter’s “Henry Clay” pattern here . The sale completed today with hammer prices far exceeding the expected ranges in all cases. Sold in 5 lots, the Rosewood set comprised of a sofa, méridienne, and two pair of side chairs, bringing in a total of $105,312.50 including buyer’s premium. Let’s hope it finds it’s way into another museum - this time for good.

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Up for auction from St. Charles Galleries, Inc. are 7 pieces of John Henry Belter’s “Henry Clay” pattern parlor furniture. The exciting part of this sale is that these pieces are being deaccessioned from “Ashland,” The Estate of Henry Clay, Lexington, Kentucky. These are the reference pieces for the “Henry Clay” pattern. Sold in 5 separate lots. The sofa sale starts at $4,000 and the range is $5,000 to $8,000.

More from the listing:

This group of Belter parlor furniture was owned by Colonel William Cassius Goodloe. Colonel Goodloe served as chairman of the national committee of the Republican Party and was later appointed Minister to Belgium by President Hayes. Goodloe lived at the now Historic “Loudoun House,” one of the largest and finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Kentucky. Goodloe’s daughter married into the Henry Clay family and her grandchildren donated this set to Ashland in the 1950’s.

Can provenance get any better?

Belter American Rococo Revival Rosewood Méridienne - starts at $4,000. Range $5,000 - $8000

Belter American Rococo Revival Rosewood Armchair - starts at $2,000. Range $2,500 - $4,000

Belter American Rococo Revival Rosewood Sidechairs - starts at $2000. Range $2,500 - $4,000

Belter American Rococo Revival Rosewood Sidechairs - starts at $2000. Range $2,500 - $4,000

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Upcoming auction for a John Henry Belter Chaise Lounge from Grandview Antiques & Auctions. An identical (though double) labeled chaise by Belter is found on p. 120 of the book, American Furniture of the 19th Century by Eileen & Richard Dubrow. Starting bid is $3,000 and expected range is $6,000-$9,000. This piece is an example of Belter’s unlaminated work.

Sold for $3,000

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