Joel Katz Auction: Sold to the Highest Bidder!

At a recent Ahlers & Ogletree auction, bids were rapidly rising to capture a treasured piece from the eclectic collection of entertainment attorney’s cherished art, collectibles, home décor, accessories and more.

Bidders were ready at the Jan. 12 auction and the event was off to a swift start. Preview bidders had already called in more than 100 bids which demonstrated the popularity of Katz’s treasures. Auction followers eagerly attended in person at the auction house as well as online, on phones and spanned the globe.

Limited edition Lalique “Anemones Grand” vase with pedestal ($24,200)

More than 550 lots were included in the auction, and Katz’s collectibles filled the auction house reflecting his impeccable taste, plus a love of exquisite Lalique and Daum “cats” (aka Katz) and works of art from well-known artists.

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Robert Ahlers, CEO and founder of Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery, and Peachtree Battle Estate Sales, along with his wife, Christy, commented regarding the auction, “We were honored to handle Joel Katz’s outstanding collection. The response to his first auction, focusing on rare watches and jewelry, was extremely popular and this follow-up auction of collectibles was a wonderful opportunity for our purchasers to acquire a special item as he downsizes his collection.”

As auction day continued, prices were posted online, and the bidding successfully sailed through the hours. Both time and the items flew. The word of the day was “SOLD,” as every few minutes the gavel slammed against the podium, and the highest bidder was congratulated. Then, off to the next.

Katz’s collection spanned rare timepieces to exquisite accessories to objects of art of every kind. The team of experts at Ahlers & Ogletree’s spent months researching and documenting every item, preparing the information from the provenance to detailing its estimated value, exact size, the designer, artist, creator and beyond.

Limited Edition “Daumot 163” by Kriki for Daum ($4,840)

And what did the items sell for? There were endless highlights which included an extensive collection of Daum glass, ranging from a menagerie of animals, elephants, to a wide assortment of cats (ie. Katz), figurines, vessels and more. One of the most desired was a limited edition “Daumot 163” by Kriki for Daum, which sold for a cool $4,840.

Another glass collection was Lalique, and imagine every possible theme up for auction. A limited edition Lalique “Anemones Grand” vase with pedestal sold for $24,200 and seemed to be the grand prize of all the Lalique options. Bids for this cobalt blue vase on a pedestal were rising by the minute, and the lucky winner clearly understood the appraised value and worth of this unique piece.

One of the jewelry highlights (serious eye candy) was without question the diamond Ladies Vacheron 18k Lady Kalla diamond watch, which sold for $60,500. Drenched tastefully in diamonds, this watch was a showstopper, screamed black tie, haute couture, and a fabulous gala.

Marc Chagall, “La Fenetre Entrouverte” lithograph, 30/50 ($5,142)

Of interest to art lovers, were a few Marc Chagall lithographs, including “La Fenetre Entrouverte,” with a printing of 30/50, which sold for $5,142. The amount of art was quite staggering. A Tolla Inbar bronze “Sky is the Limit” sculpture sold for $20,570 and it was easy to imagine the world-wide travels acquiring these pieces.

It was also no surprise that there were a few guitar lovers who were clearly paying attention to the rare custom and collectible guitars, such as the Gibson Les Paul Custom Model LPSPSC, which went for $7,865. Another irresistible highlight was the not-to-be-missed, extensive collection of well-traveled Louis Vuitton luggage, from totes to suitcases, to every shape and size under the LV sun. One was called the ‘Alzer’ Collection suitcase, which sold for $3,932.

Gibson Les Paul Custom Model LPSPSC, 1 of 1 ($7,865)

And for Jay Strongwater lovers, this auction did not disappoint. Frames, animals, works of art and much more lined the auction. Bidders scooped up everything Jay Strongwater which was a significant part of the collection. Jay Strongwater is well known for creating detailed colorful enameled objects and the unique, large scale “Theobald Grand” Tree, sold for $4,235.

In addition, there were a few of Katz’s celebrity clientele items over the years from Michael Jackson to Jimmy Buffet to even an Elton John-signed Yamaha baby grand player piano. The piano was in pristine condition and a cool take away at $9,075. Plus, for music lovers who have longed to own their very own jukebox, Katz had a limited-edition Elvis Wurlitzer jukebox, filled with his famous musician’s music. It was grabbed for a nice price at $3,630.

Yamaha player piano with Elton John signed bench ($9,075)

The only problem now is this auction already happened. Non-buyer’s remorse is common after you see what great prices and spectacular items were sold.

Fortunately, Ahlers & Ogletree, and their sister company, Peachtree Battle Estate Sales, have endless auctions and estate sales year-round. Your opportunity to acquire someone’s down-sized collection, or an unwanted Picasso awaits you. Stay tuned at www.aandoauctions.com and sign up for their next, next.

The good news? There’s always room for more!