A Lifetime of Collecting Elegance and Sentiment: The Irene Deitsch Collection of Victorian & French Posy Holders will be offered through Clars Auctions as the closing presentation of the June 18th Summer Antique Jewelry Salon Auction. The event presents a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from a deeply personal collection — each lot carrying forward a fragment of a story defined by elegance, craftsmanship, and enduring taste.

Irene Deitsch was born in Akron, Ohio, and graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in art education. She married Marshall Deitsch and moved to Los Angeles, where she taught art at the junior high school level before leaving the classroom to raise their two sons. When the family relocated to Palo Alto, California, she joined the art library at Stanford University, deepening the scholarly sensibility that would later define her life as a collector.

After a brief venture into catering, Irene pursued gemology and jewelry design, eventually opening Vanguard Gems, her own store, which she ran with great success for many years. With her sons grown and her grandchildren “up and out,” she turned her full attention to worldwide travel and antique collecting.

Her passion for antique tussie-mussies took hold in the late 1990s after visiting an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. From that moment, she began assembling what would become a sizable and highly refined collection of posy holders, many of which are depicted in her book Tussie-Mussies: A Collector’s Guide to Victorian Posy Holders (published in 2016 by Marene Press). She also collects antique scent bottles, while her husband Marshall has long been devoted to paperweights.

Now appearing at auction for the first time, The Irene Deitsch Collection of English Victorian and French Posy Holders comprises approximately 130 examples, known variously as porte-bouquets, bouquetiers, or tussie-mussie holders. At the height of fashion between the 1830s and 1880s, these exquisite objects were designed to carry fragrant nosegays, often suspended from chains or fitted with finger rings — uniting artistry, sentiment, and elegance in a single luxurious form.

The collection stands among the most significant private holdings of its kind to appear at auction, rivaling institutional collections in quality and scope. The Frances Jones Poetker Collection at the Smithsonian Gardens, by comparison, comprises approximately 250 examples — underscoring just how remarkable this private assemblage is. Ranging from gold and silver to enamel, jeweled, and filigree work sourced from across Europe and beyond, the collection reflects decades of passionate pursuit and an eye of refinement.

Highlights include a very rare Chinese high carat gold posy holder with presentation case, circa 1890, estimated at $8,000–$12,000, with an intricate wire basket and filigree handle, attached floral pin and finger ring, and a fitted presentation box carved with figural panels and its original key. Also featured is an English 14k gold and enamel posy holder, Liverpool, circa 1880, estimated at $2,000–$3,000, in a satin and velvet-lined octagonal case; a rare English enamel-decorated silver-gilt and glass combination posy holder, perfume bottle, and vinaigrette, circa 1870, estimated at $400–$600; and two European posy holders, circa 1870, estimated at $400–$600, one a possibly Russian example set with a hand-painted miniature portrait encircled by diamonds, the other gilt-metal inset with portrait miniatures and paste jewels on a mother-of-pearl handle.

The Irene Deitsch Collection presents a portrait of a life shaped by discernment, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for artistry across cultures and eras. A consistent thread of sophistication runs throughout — objects chosen not simply for beauty, but for meaning, craftsmanship, and presence — suggesting a home where each piece was genuinely lived with and admired.

The Fine Interiors Auction, taking place on November 20th, is anchored by an important estate designed by the renowned interior design firm Parish-Hadley Associates.

Founded by Sister Parish and Albert Hadley in the mid-20th century, Parish-Hadley became synonymous with refined American elegance. Their work — an artful balance of tradition, comfort, and modernity — defined an entire era of high society design, gracing the homes of figures such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Brooke Astor, and Oscar de la Renta. The firm’s influence extended beyond decoration to shaping the very language of American interior style.

This particular estate beautifully reflects Parish-Hadley’s signature blend of sophistication and warmth. Highlights include a set of four silver-gilt “strawberry boxes” made for Tiffany & Co., estimated at $2,500–$3,500, and a pair of Maison Baguès lights, estimated at $1,200–$1,800.

Also featured are elegant pieces by Ann Getty Designs, a watercolor by Lee Radziwill, and an array of refined tableware, including Georg Jensen sterling, Baccarat stemware, and a charming Victorian Santa sleigh.

Adding to the sale’s appeal is a cased Victorian half hull builder’s model of the SS Beverly by Workman Clark HD, Belfast, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. This rare and finely crafted model represents the golden age of shipbuilding and maritime engineering, exemplifying the precision and artistry characteristic of late 19th-century craftsmanship. The auction continues with fine carpets, coins, and music boxes, all offering a glimpse into a cultivated lifestyle.

Tom and Gussie Lyons’ shared love of design, art, and architecture began soon after their wedding in the early 1950s. In their first homes, a Bertoia/Noguchi child’s table, an Eames rocking chair, and Corita Kent’s vibrant prints reflected their early passion for design and art.

In the 1970s, the Lyons lived in London and there they explored art galleries and antiques shops throughout the city. Returning to Columbus, Indiana in the mid-1970s, they lived and worked amid world class architecture, an experience that further shaped their collecting tastes. From their kitchen window, Eero Saarinen’s steeple for the North Christian Church was visible; while an I.M Pei library with Henry Moore’s Large Arch on its plaza anchored the downtown.

In the 1980s, after settling in San Francisco, their interest in design, sculptural form and modernism blossomed into a passion for Georg Jensen silver. A sculptor before he became a silversmith, Jensen’s work perfectly combined the Lyons’ interest in fine workmanship with form and function. With access to interesting auctions, dealers, and antiques fairs, they built a remarkable collection of Jensen flatware, jewelry, and hollowware. Their pair of Jensen grape candelabra graced the mantels of their Washington Street and Laguna Street homes for over 40 years and a treasured Jensen gravy boat is a mainstay at their daughter’s Thanksgiving table today. Silver items from the Lyons’ collection will be offered at Clars Auctions on November 20th.

Hank Risan’s musical instrument collection included more than 750 examples of fine 19th and 20th century acoustic instruments. On October 17th, we are happy to offer over 50 of these magnificent guitars and mandolins.

Risan owns an 1835 Martin 2½-17 guitar that is believed to have accompanied Mark Twain (born Samuel Clemens) throughout his life. During a 1999 appearance on National Public Radio’s (NPR) All Things Considered program, Risan played an arrangement of the Stephen Foster classic, Old Susannah, on the Twain guitar.

In 2014, Risan placed 265 of his classic guitars on the block with boutique auction house Guernsey’s in New York. The auction was called The Artistry of the Guitar. However, many of the guitars, including the Martin — which was ultimately purchased by The Martin Guitar Company — did not reach their pre-auction estimates or reserves.

Clars Auctions is proud to offer an iconic piece of Hollywood history: a Maltese Falcon prop from the legendary 1941 film noir classic The Maltese Falcon, starring Humphrey Bogart in his breakthrough role as the hard-boiled detective Sam Spade.

Directed by John Huston and based on the novel by Dashiell Hammett, the film is celebrated as one of the greatest detective movies ever made and a cornerstone of the film noir genre.

The Maltese Falcon statue — central to the film’s twisting plot — is a symbol of greed, mystery, and obsession. This particular prop, meticulously crafted and rich in cinematic lore, offers a rare connection to Hollywood’s golden age. While several versions were created for the production, this example stands as a striking representation of one of film’s most enduring icons.

This collectible will be offered at auction on Friday, October 17th at Clars. For film buffs and memorabilia collectors alike, it represents a remarkable opportunity to own a piece of cinematic legend. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of classic Hollywood.

In our September 20th auction, many jazz items and ephemera caught bidders’ attention. On November 21st we are excited to present Session II of the collection.

Included in Session II is an of an extensive collection of early jazz items, including an Ella Fitzgerald signed recording agreement with Clef Records, a rare handwritten music sheet by Charlie Christian, a Billie Holiday signed contract to perform at the Loop Lounge in Cleveland, 1956, a Surrogates Court Order related to the estate of Billie Holiday, and a collection of Billie Holiday original orchestral arrangement sheets. Additional artists represented in the auction include Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lester Young, and Fats Waller, among others.

Clars Auctions’ Senior Vice President, Deric Torres, was honored to participate in a truly special celebration hosted by The Menlo Park Historical Association and The Museum of American Heritage — the 125th Wedding Anniversary of Helen Hopkins & Augustus Taylor on Saturday September 13th.

Held in the historic mansion where their grand 1900 society wedding originally took place. Helen Hopkins — grandniece of railroad magnate Mark Hopkins — was part of a legacy that helped shape California’s Gilded Age.

Guests enjoyed Antiques Roadshow-style valuation sessions with Deric Torres, who brought his decades of expertise in furniture and decorative arts to this elegant and educational afternoon. History, heritage, and heirlooms — all under one roof.

In the Furniture & Decorative Arts section of our July 18th auction, Clars will offer a strong lineup of fine traditional pieces and feature esteemed makers like William Moorcroft and Augustin Heyne.

Antique Persian Bidjar Carpet

Bidjar rugs, woven in northwest Iran, are famed for their dense structure and durability, often referred to as the “iron carpets of Persia.” This antique example displays a rich, jewel-toned palette and classical geometric motifs, balancing tribal tradition with refined technique. Such carpets were long favored in European interiors for their resilience and grandeur.

William Moorcroft

British potter William Moorcroft (1872–1945) earned international acclaim for his hand-decorated art pottery, characterized by deep glazes and naturalistic themes. His flambé pieces, like this undersea-themed vase, utilize complex kiln chemistry to achieve glowing, unpredictable surface effects — no two glazes are alike. Moorcroft’s work was embraced by collectors and royalty alike, and he remains one of the most collected ceramicists of the early 20th century.

Augustin Heyne

A rare and exquisitely preserved tankard by Augustin Heyne, a master silversmith from Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland), this work exemplifies the lavish artistry of early Baroque German metalwork. Parcel-gilt detailing, figural repoussé, and historic inscriptions reflect the ceremonial function of such vessels. It is a remarkable artifact from a time when silver was both status symbol and heirloom.

Florentine Cassone

The cassone, or marriage chest, was one of the most important furnishings in the Italian Renaissance home. Commissioned by wealthy families, they were often adorned with allegorical scenes, coats of arms, and lavish ornamentation. This example, dating to the late Gothic period in Florence, is notable for its early painted decoration and architectural form, marking it as both utilitarian and symbolic. Very few cassoni from this early period survive outside major museum collections, making this piece a rare and culturally significant offering.

Big moment on Pawn Stars! Our very own appraiser, Deric Torres from Clars Auctions, helped a customer who thought she had a rare Oscar Bach Hall telephone table worth a fortune. After closely inspecting the piece, Deric revealed it wasn’t authentic — here’s why:

…because the casting was not well done, not marked, and not executed in the same manner one would expect on a well-documented authentic example. Below is information about the history of the firm, and Bach’s bitter break up with business partner Bertram Segar — who is infamous for making poor reproductions of designs created by Bach.

Oscar Bach was a technically adept, stylistically diverse, and commercially successful master metalsmith. Born in Germany, he studied at both the Royal Academy and Imperial Academy of Art in Berlin before becoming the artistic director of a metallic arts firm in Hamburg. In 1911, Bach won the Grand Prix at the World’s Exposition in Turin for a bed he designed for Kaiser Wilhelm II. That same year, he moved to the United State to establish a business with his brother Max in New York City.

The brothers quickly opened a metal design studio and flourished throughout the 1920s and 30s, with Oscar creating beautiful objects for wealthy New York clientele and custom architectural elements for country estates. He designed a multitude of domestic objects and grand commissions, including the lobby panel for the Empire State Building and monumental plaques for Radio City Music Hall — created in collaboration with Hildreth Meiere. Bach was awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor in 1926 from the Architectural League of New York for a set of bronze doors he designed for their club room. Not just a talented designer, but a savvy marketer and self-promoter, Bach enjoyed a long and successful career. His work can be found in the permanent collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Minneapolis Museum of Art, The Wolfsonian, and Reynolda House.

In April of 1923, upon an acrimonious split with a third business partner named Bertram Segar, the Bach brothers moved to a new studio at 511 West 42nd Street and renamed their firm Oscar B. Bach and Associated Craftsmen. Bertram Segar remained in the West 17th Street studio, renaming it The Segar Studios. There, Bertram Segar continued to reproduce many of Bach’s original designs and variations on Bach’s designs, either selling them in an unmarked state or stamping them with his SEGAR STUDIOS mark.

Desperate to set the record straight, Bach put full page advertisements in multiple issues of Arts & Decorations stating that, “All products designed and executed in my studios bear my facsimile signature, and no other articles are genuine.” And, “It is distressing to find other things — ugly things that I could not create, put before the public with the insinuation that they are my work. It is not only distressing but a fraud on the public.”

This is why the conclusion of it not being authentic was determined. Watch the full story unfold and how Deric gently let the buyer down easy (we hope). Catch the episode and let us know what you think!

The Furniture & Decorative Arts segment will feature a number of standout pieces in our March 21st auction.

One such piece is a rare Northern Baroque carved altar table with tabernacle, dating to the late 17th century, estimated at $8,000–$12,000. Fully carved with biblical reserves, this exquisite table highlights the exceptional craftsmanship of the period.