Leonard Auction's April 19, 2008 sale featuring Tramp Art was a rousing success as bidders had the opportunity to take home many important and unique items not often seen in the Midwest. The auction was well received attracting more than 120 live and phone bidders in addition to 350 internet bidders. "We were thrilled with the turnout and excitement for the auction, and were very pleased to have been able to offer important tramp art pieces, rarely seen in the Midwest," said John Leonard, president of Leonard Auction.

Highlighting the auction was a Tramp Art dressing table that sold for $4,000 against a pre-sale estimate of $1500 - 2000. The impressive piece, in near perfect condition, sold to a live bidder who made the 800 mile trip from Connecticut for the auction.

Download High-Res Photo (300dpi)

Download High-Res Photo (300dpi)

An important 6' Tramp Art hanging corner cabinet also sold well, ending bidding right at the high estimate of $4,000. The 1890's cabinet, with original finish and glass attracted many bidders for its large size and excellent condition.

The surprise item of the sale was a hand-crafted Kentucky Derby display case that featured a hand carved depiction of each winning horse from 1875 to 1954. The unique piece opened with an internet bid of $200 and continued to climb steadily higher with strong competition from internet, phone and floor bidders. The lot ended with a $2,600 bid from a live floor bidder, more than five times the pre-sale estimate of $400 - 600.

Download High-Res Photo (300dpi)

In addition to the strong results from the featured tramp art, the sale also featured a large collection of sterling silver that sold well, including 52 pieces of International Joan of Arc flatware that reached $1,000. Additional highlights included a malachite, ormolu and bronze clock that brought $3,000 and a hobby horse pull toy that brought $550.

Leonard Auction's next scheduled sale will occur on Saturday, May 10, 2008. The sale will feature coins & currency in addition to a fine selection of 19th and 20th century antiques and collectibles. Highlights of the sale include a rare 1928 $1000 Gold Certificate estimated to sell between $3,000 - $4,000 and a set of Wallace Grand Baroque Sterling flatware estimated to sell for $1,000 - $1,500. A complete color catalog of the items to be offered will be available at www.leonardauction.com on Monday, May 5, 2008.

Leonard Auction is one of the Chicago area's leading auction houses, conducting monthly auctions at our headquarters located at 1765 Cortland Ct., Ste. D, Addison, Illinois. In addition to a regular auction schedule, we also conduct on-site estate sales and offer an eBay drop-off service. Consignments are always being accepted for upcoming auctions and eBay sales. To learn more about our services, or to arrange a consignment, please contact our office at 630-495-0229 or visit our website, www.leonardauction.com.