Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates Announce an Important Auction of 18TH & 19TH Century Glass and Lighting Featuring the Thielens Collection May 25 & 26

Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates will conduct their 19th annual spring auction of 18th & 19th century glass and lighting in two sessions on May 25th beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET and May 26th beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET. The sale will feature part two of the renowned collection of the late Wagner Thielens of New York City. Thielens began collecting in the 1960s, focusing on early American pressed glass of the 1840 to 1860 period. Early in his collecting life, he and his partner, John, developed a close relationship with legendary dealers, George Abraham and Gilbert May of Granville, Massachusetts, and over the years, Thielens acquired many of his most important pieces from the duo.

Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates Announce an Important Auction of 18TH & 19TH Century Glass and Lighting Featuring the Thielens Collection May 25 & 26

Jeff and Beverley Evans had become good friends with Mr. Thielens over the years and made twice-yearly pilgrimages to the city to deliver purchases he had made from their auctions. Jeff recalls fondly, “I first met Wagner about 20 years ago at a glass auction in Connecticut where I had driven overnight to buy a rare piece for my personal collection. Well, needless to say, Wagner outbid me, and I was crushed. After the sale, Beverley made me introduce myself and congratulate him on his purchase. It didn’t take long to realize we had met a kindred spirit and made a long-time friend.” Jeff continued, “Wagner lived in a high-rise complex on the Upper East Side where the glass collection took up two apartments. His most prized possessions were displayed in the main residence on the 33rd floor, which had a spectacular view overlooking the East River. He had a ‘storage’ apartment on the 6th floor that was mainly floor-to-ceiling showcases for all the overflow. Beverley and I are honored to handle the dispersal of the Thielens collection. It’s a bitter-sweet occasion, however, as another legendary glass collector has passed. We will miss those great visits with Wagner, talking about the old days, and cherish being one of the few who had the privilege to explore his ‘glass closet’ and discover all the hidden treasures it held.”

Most of the Thielens collection will sell in the second session of the auction. It comprises an incredible array of early colored pressed glass including over 50 vases, more than 30 covered egg cups/pomades, many spooners/spill holders, other extremely rare EAPG, open salts, decanters, &c.; colored and colorless early lighting including whale oil and fluid lamps, and candlesticks; extremely rare covered lacy salts including opaque blue and opalescent examples; rare commercial and other cologne bottles; colorless flint EAPG; plus more.

Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates Announce an Important Auction of 18TH & 19TH Century Glass and Lighting Featuring the Thielens Collection May 25 & 26

Session one of the auction features a 40-year Pittsburgh-area collection and part four of the Barbara Sisson collection of Charleston, WV. It is highlighted by early kerosene lighting including Sandwich Onion and cut overlay lamps, rare burners and set-ups, other good parts, &c.; a selection of free-blown and blown-molded wares; collection of early American and European cut glass featuring rare Pittsburgh pieces; over 50 glass parade staffs, walking sticks, and canes; cut overlay and opaline glass; antique paperweights; 18th century English and other wine glasses; plus much more.

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The auction catalogue will be posted at jeffreysevans.com and Jeffrey S. Evans – LIVE, as well as on Live Auctioneers and Invaluable around May 16. Public preview at the auction gallery begins on May 23. For further information visit jeffreysevans.com, e-mail info@jeffreysevans.com, or call 540.434.3939