Cincinnati art carved cabinet becomes a family affair, sells for $7,400 at Great Gatsby's in Atlanta

When Herbert Broadfoot II and his wife, Nancy, called Great Gatsby’s Auction Gallery in Atlanta to consign a beloved heirloom – a tour de force Cincinnati carved cabinet by William H. Fry - they knew this piece needed to find ‘the right home.’ In the midst of downsizing, and devastated that they could no longer accommodate this stunning cabinet, Mr. & Mrs. Broadfoot counted on the global reach and tireless marketing efforts of Great Gatsby’s to present their beautiful showpiece to discerning and passionate collectors worldwide. The cabinet, which was commissioned as a wedding present in 1876 for Mr. Broadfoot’s great-great aunt, Mary Boyd, had been passed down through the family, never once appearing at market. The condition and quality of the cabinet was extraordinary, from the relief carving to the Aesthetic detailing, and the team at Great Gatsby’s knew they had one of the finest examples of the William H. Fry and Benjamin Pittman carvers on their hands.
 

As one of the star lots in Great Gatsby’s three-day October auction, the cabinet was sold for $7,400 after some competition, to none other than Laura Fry in Tulsa, Oklahoma – the great-great granddaughter of William H. Fry himself! Ms. Fry, who is Curator of Art at the Gilcrease Museum, was named after William Fry’s daughter, Laura Anne Fry, who studied carving alongside her father. The current Ms. Fry is an avid enthusiast and collector of her great-great grandfather's work, and was thrilled when she saw the cabinet come on the auction block at Great Gatsby’s. Mr. & Mrs. Broadfoot were simply ecstatic that this family heirloom will continue to be cherished and admired for generations to come. Now that’s what we call ‘keeping it in the family!’

With over three decades of experience selling the rare and the unusual at auction, Great Gatsby’s Auction Gallery knows how important it is for your items to find the homes they deserve, while receiving the quality service you expect. Their team of specialists is ready to assist you with the consignment process, whether you are looking to sell an individual item, a private collection or you are settling an estate. With clients from coast to coast and in 42 countries around the world, Great Gatsby’s Auction Gallery gives your personal property the global exposure it deserves. Their next auction will take place on December 9, 10 and 11, 2016, and consignments are now invited for the Spring 2017 season. For a confidential auction valuation or for more information on consigning with them, please contact auction@greatgatsbys.com or call 770-457-1903.

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