Thursday, June 17, 2010

BASEMENT STORAGE YIELDS TREASURE

Cigar Store Indian

A cigar store Indian that had been in the family basement since the 1960s gave the owner an unexpected legacy. The Indian, in fine unrestored condition, was sold by Heritage Auction Galleries in Dallas for an amazing $203,150. The Indian had been purchased by the owner's late husband before they were married. The record price for a cigar store figure, set in 2007, is $542,400 for a 19th-century carved Punch figure attributed to Samuel Robb. Most cigar store figures are Indians and the highest priced usually sell for about $50,000. But an Indian sold in Canada in 2006 brought almost $74,000.

2 comments:

Brad Fallon said...

That is absolutely gorgeous but I can't believe the price for it. Wow!

Cartess Ross said...

Could you comment on what makes this thing so valuable? Is there history behind this piece? I wouldn't have given this thing a second look if I saw it at a yard sale...