An Indian princess cigar store figure, estimated at $125,000-250,000, is the top lot of Guyette, Schmidt and Deeters' Fall Auction on November 6-7 in Maryland.
The figure is attributed to Samuel Rob or Thomas Brooks circa 1880 and features bold colours glazed with varnish. It holds a bundle of cigars in the left hand and tobacco leaves in the right.
 The figure is attributed to either Thomas Brooks or Samuel Rob |
The carvings are traditional tobacconist's symbols, a reference to the crop's origins in the new world.
In 2010, a cigar store figure in unusually good condition achieved $203,150 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas - a world record.
A unique hooded merganser drake duck decoy, carved by the Ward brothers in Maryland in the 1930s, is offered with an estimate of $70,000-90,000.
 The merganser drake decoy dates to circa 1936 |
The decoy is in good condition with only minor wear. The original paint retains its patina, although there are a few chips on the "jesso" where the head joins the neck.
Work by the Ward brothers can achieve impressive prices at auction. Earlier this year, a preening eider drake circa 1900 sold for $150,000 at Copley Fine Art Auctions in Boston.
A redhead drake by Elkanah Cobb dating to the end of the 19th century is valued at $45,000-65,000. It features glass eyes and paint that is in exceptional condition with only slight wear.
A bufflehead drake carved by Nathan Cobb is valued at $40,000-60,000.
A one of a kind Boston terrier carving by Gus Wilson is due to auction at Skinner on October 27.
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