For the week ending Saturday February 18^th ten sales were archived; three in dollars, three in Euros, and four in British Pounds.  Sales for the week totaled $7,570,787, precisely one hundred percent of the aggregate high estimate for all lots in all sales.  One thousand four hundred and seven lots were offered and one thousand and eighty-five sold for a success rate of 77%.  It was a very good week.

Four sales approached or exceeded 100% of their aggregate high estimates and they included the three top grossing sales.  This suggests that those who have money are willing to spend it on important material.

Those sales approaching or exceeding 100% of their aggregate high estimates are:

Neret – Minet & Tessler.       Art on February 8^th:  155%;

Artcurial Briest-Le Fur-Poulain-F.   Drawings of Writers on February 14^th:  123%;

Christie’s.       The Printer’s Proof on February on February 15^th:  101%

Christie’s.       Hockney on Paper on February 17^th:  98%

The Artcurial Briest and two Christie’s sales totaled $6,070,393 of the week’s $7,570,787.

For the week upcoming 13 sales are scheduled:

Tuesday February 21^st Bruun Rasmussen.  Prints (1208)

                                            Cowan’s Auctions.  World at War (253)

                                          Rupert Toovey and Co.  Antiquarian and Collectors Books (1017)

Wed. February 22^nd  Bonhams.  Modern Prints and the St. Ives School (19776)

                                            Heritage Auctions.  Vintage Comics and Comic Art 0 online (7054)

                                            Rupert Toovey and Co.  Prints (1016)

Thursday February 23^rd Bloomsbury Auctions.  Literature, Manuscripts and Modern First Editions (35882)

                                          Heritage Auctions.  Vintage Comics and Comic Art continuing (7054)

                                            Heritage Auctions.  Rare Books and Autographs (201208)

                                            Swann Galleries.  Private Presses and Illustrated Books (2269)

Friday February 24^th Heritage Comics and Comic Art (7054)

Saturday February 25^th Dirk Soulis.     Spivey’s Maps, Prints and Books (22512)

                                              Morton Casa de Subastas.  Books, Documents and Prints (623)

Coming off two successful book fairs on the American west coast and strong results at the high end of the market in auction rooms in the United States and Europe we are casting a hopeful eye on a market showing some promise.

Bruce McKinney
AE
February 19th, 2012