An Oscar Bach bench has made a mockery of its $1,500 high estimate at a garden and architectural sale in Philadelphia.
The circa 1910 bronze and wrought-iron curved bench, featuring a central figural cartouche and dolphin decorated back panel, sold for $32,000 at the April 17 auction.
The superb piece was bought by a New York State antiques dealer.
The sale is confirmation of the considerable demand for Oscar Bach (1884-1957). Last year a rare pair of Bach table lamps from the 1930s made $12,000.
 Oscar Bach’s $32,000 bench |
The German-born metalworker moved to the US in 1911, having previously produced items such as a jewel-encrusted Bible cover for Pope Leo XIII, as well as a bed for Kaiser Wilhelm II, for which he won the Grand Prix at the 1911 World's Exposition in Italy.
Bach's New York studios became synonymous with the best in metalwork, and many of his pieces can be found in major museums, including New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Away from Bach, the April 17 sale also saw a life-size 19th century Diana figure sell for $23,000 to a dealer in Paris, the same price achieved by a 17th century carved Istrian marble wellhead, which has found a new home at a private garden in Texas.
Three large carved doors, which once resided at the Manhattan home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, sold for $21,600, while a pair of columns from the 5th Avenue mansion made $9,000.
Take a look at Paul Fraser Collectibles' fine range of antique furniture here.
