The fall auction season is coming to a close. Thirteen sales were archived, 6 in dollars, 4 in British pounds, 3 in Euros. Turnover for this reporting period was $7,482,166. Four-thousand-six-hundred and thirty four were offered, 3,072 sold for at a relatively weak 66.3% rate.

Bonhams had the strongest sale in the United States raising $1,172,244, Sothebys [UK] the strongest among all sales archived at $1,870,393. Artcurial Briest-Le-Fur-Poulain had the strongest denominated in Euros, $1,049,755 when converted to dollars.

By currency lots denominated in Pounds sold at a 62.5% rate, Euros at a 63% rate, dollars at 68.9% pace.

New England Book returned to high form selling 99.6% of lots for $193,246.

It is now apparent, with almost all results reported, that 2009 saw a continuation of the decline in prices and percentages-sold that set in during the second half of 2008. The market recently seems no worse but also not materially better over-all. What strength has been apparent is at the top of the market. Less expensive material is doing comparatively less well.

Bruce McKinney
AE

December 20, 2009