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Estate of Richard and Shirley Roberts, Virginia Beach, Virginia | October 29, 2026

Thu, Oct 29, 2026 10:30AM EDT
  2026-10-29 10:30:00 2026-10-29 10:30:00 America/New_York Brunk Auctions Brunk Auctions : Estate of Richard and Shirley Roberts, Virginia Beach, Virginia | October 29, 2026 https://live.brunkauctions.com/auctions/brunk/estate-of-richard-and-shirley-roberts-virginia-beach-virginia-october-29-2026-23916
Dick & Shirley Roberts assembled a world-class collection of American furniture, paintings, maps, early Catesby prints, silver and porcelain, working with top dealers including Israel Sack, Liverant & Son, Deanne Levison, Arader, Shrubsole and others. Major centers of furniture making are represented: Boston, Portsmouth, Newport, Connecticut, Philadelphia and Charleston, with paintings by Jane Peterson, JC Beckwith, Childe Hassam, Willard Metcalf & Edmund Tarbell, among others. Silver by John Ewan, John Carter, Robert Reading, extensive selection of Francis I pattern; and early Chinese export.
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Lot 569

Rare Mark Catesby Counterproof Print

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
Starting Bid
$1,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$100 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

(British, 1679-1749)

T. 14 The Rice-bird, from The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and The Bahama Islands, Vol. 1, London, 1731-1743, a counterproof in reverse, hand colored etching and engraving on laid paper with Strasbourg Lily watermark, plate 9-7/8 x 13-7/8 in., sheet 13-1/2 x 18-3/8 in.; Kent style gilt wood frame, 22-5/8 x 26-3/4 x 1 in.

Provenance: Estate of Richard and Shirley Roberts, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Note: This rare print appears in reverse from the plate in The Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands. In an article by Colonial Williamsburg on their Crested-jay counterproof they state, "While the ink is still fresh, the printer can pass the print and another piece of paper through the press to get a second copy. The object of creating a counterproof is to be able to inspect the state of the plate. The image produced is more subtle, consisting of delicate lines that lack the beveled impressions of the original."

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Estate of Richard and Shirley Roberts, Virginia Beach, Virginia

hinged in at top, good color, remnants of former hinging tape verso, small pin hole in background under rice, light toning, some printing creases; archivally framed Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.