Starr Antiques

03/31/2024

01/12/2024

Historic Charleston Foundation endured a huge backlash after it announced its intention to sell the famous house museum.

01/01/2024

We share the museum and preservation community’s concern and disappointment regarding the Historic Charleston Foundation's decision to sell the Nathaniel Russell House. If the HCF’s board is unwilling to reverse course, we hope that this magnificent site can find a nonprofit partner that will honor its significance and splendor. 🤞 More info: https://www.historiccharleston.org/blog/questions-and-answers-about-the-nathaniel-russell-house/. Make sure to read the comments at the bottom of the page.

12/18/2023

The very wise man (likely King Solomon) who wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament, says in Chapter 3, Verse 7, KJV, that “there is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” This is a time to speak. Earlier this month, the Historic Charleston Foundation of Charleston, South Caro...

06/15/2023

The Copley Fine Art Auctions catalog quoted pioneer authority and collector of decoys Dr. William J. Mackey Jr. (d. 1972) describing birds carved by Nathan F. Cobb Jr. (1825-1905): “Every Nathan Cobb decoy had its own natural pose. Even his Hudsonian curlews...seemed to run, feed, and walk.”

https://www.maineantiquedigest.com/stories/decoys-and-more-at-copley/9264

Cobb’s 15½" long running curlew, circa 1880, retaining the original paint and original bill, survived the 1893 tidal wave that obliterated Cobb Island. The decoys on the island, made to be buoyant, simply floated away and were retrieved after the storm. The bird is described in the catalog as “among the very finest shorebirds that survived the remote island’s storm-wrecked history.” Estimated at $80,000/120,000, the Harmon Cobb running curlew brought $78,000. It has rested in several private collections, most recently the distinguished one of Ted and Judy Harmon.

Closely related decoys are illustrated and discussed in several publications: "Wings of Wonder: The Remarkable Story of the Cobb Family and the Priceless Decoys They Created on Their Island Paradise" by Dr. S. Lloyd Newberry (2020); "American Bird Decoys" by William J. Mackey Jr. (1965); "Bird Decoys of North America" by Robert Shaw (2010); "Southern Decoys of Virginia and The Carolinas" by Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr. (1983); and "Birds of a Feather" by Kory W. Rogers (2017).

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Published monthly, Maine Antique Digest covers the marketplace for Americana and art. Each issue features antiques news, auctions, and shows across the U.S.

06/03/2023

Almost 100 years ago…
“Encourage the Arts”.

05/22/2023

This Sunday next to Black Tulip Antiques

04/23/2023

BLACK TULIP ESTATES At Black Tulip Estates, we’re committed to providing exceptional service to our clients. We work closely with you to understand your unique needs and goals. Black Tulip Estates’ Sale! Coming soon! Extraordinary Extensive Folk Art Estate Sale April 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th 9:...

04/21/2023

Online Auction now at BlackTulipEstates.net …