For the week ending November 26^th, 2011 we archived eleven auctions; two in dollars, two in British Pounds, and seven in Euros.  Five thousand seven hundred fifty-three lots were offered and 3,382 sold for a 59% sale rate.  Total turnover was $7,992,704 against the aggregate high estimate of $10,605,319.  Both rate of sale and percentage of the aggregate high estimate were on the low side.  As if anyone needs it these results mirror global uncertainty leading to the expectation that resolution of the European debt crisis and the American congressional log-jam will rise auction outcomes by at least 10%.

Only two of this past week’s sales reached or exceeded 100% of their high estimate and both were achieved by the same house:  Ader.  Congratulations.  This is a difficult feat in any economic scenario and a particularly difficult one during the current malaise.

Ader.  Sacha Guitrt – The Collection of Andre Bernard pt. 2:  148%

Ader.  Sacha Guitrt – The Collection of Andre Bernard pt. 1:  135%

For the week ahead 35 sales are scheduled:

November 28^th Christie’s.  Books (3013).

                                    Alde.  Modern Books, Works on Paper (17884)

                                    Artcurial Briest-Le Fur-Poulain-F. Tajan.  60 Photos to Benefit the School of Hope (2135)

                                   Map World.  Cape Town (3)

November 29^th          Alde.  Library of an Amateur (17319)

                                    Bloomsbury Auctions.  Important Books, Manuscripts & Works on Paper (27202)

                                    Bonhams.  Books, Maps and Manuscripts (19001)

                                    Bonhams.  Prints (19086)

                                    Bubb Kuyper.  Books, Manuscripts and Graphic Arts (55)

                                    Christie’s.  Important Old Books, Art Books and Manuscripts (1015)

                                    Map World.  Cape Town (3)

November 30^th          Bubb Kuyper.  Books, Manuscripts and Graphic Arts (55)

                                    Comic Connect.  Comics (113011)

                                    Galerie Bassenge.  Photography (98f)

                                    Gray’s Auctioneers.  Fine  Books, Maps, and Manuscripts (54)

                                    Map World.  Cape Town (3)

                                    Rupert Toovey and Co.  Prints (1000)

                                    Sotheby’s.  Music Books, Children’s and Illustrated Books (L11406)

December 1^st             Antiquarian Auctions.co.za.  Books (15)

                                    Bubb Kuyper.  Books, Manuscripts and Graphic Arts (55c)

                                    Keys Fine Arts Auctioneers.  Books Day 1 (947)

                                    Map World.  Cape Town (3)

                                    Oger et Camper.  Autographs, Stamps, Photographs and Books (17930)

                                    PBA Galleries.  Fine Literature – Fine Books in all Fields (468)

                                    Swann Galleries.  Printed & Manuscript Americana / Ocean Liner Memorabilia (2263)

December 2^nd          Antiquarian Auctions.co.za.  Books (15)

                                    Bubb Kuyper.  Books, Manuscripts and Graphic Arts (55d)

                                    Cowan’s Auctions, Inc.  American History (281)

                                    Ferraton.  Books, Manuscript, Autographs (2322)

                                    Key’s Fine Arts Auctioneers.  Books Day 2 (948)

December 3^rd             Antiquarian Auctions.co.za.  Books (15)

                                    Ferraton.  Books, Manuscript, Autographs (2322)

December 4^th             Antiquarian Auctions.co.za.  Books (15)

                                    National Book Auctions.  Books and Ephemera – Atlases, Art, Fancy Bindings, etc (12042011)

                                    Osenat.  The French Empire in Fontainbleau (120411)

The selection is broad and appealing.

Bruce McKinney

AE

November 27^th, 2011