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Collection of Elbert H. Parsons, Jr., Huntsville, Alabama | June 23, 2026

Tue, Jun 23, 2026 10:00AM EDT
  2026-06-23 10:00:00 2026-06-23 10:00:00 America/New_York Brunk Auctions Brunk Auctions : Collection of Elbert H. Parsons, Jr., Huntsville, Alabama | June 23, 2026 https://live.brunkauctions.com/auctions/brunk/collection-of-elbert-h-parsons-jr-huntsville-alabama-june-23-2026-22678
Original surface and vibrant color define Bert Parsons’ well-documented collection, assembled over decades. Highlights include a Stirewalt miniature painted blanket chest, an 1823 dated Prussian blue blanket chest made in Albemarle, Stanly County, NC, with family history, an early Virginia documented painted apothecary cabinet, and a New England Fancy red-painted Windsor bench, as well as metalwork, pottery, Staffordshire, paintings, and six objects from the landmark 2004 “American Fancy” exhibition.
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Lot 44

Rare Mississippi Miniature Portrait of Young Boy

Estimate: $800 - $1,200
Starting Bid
$400

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

(American/Mississippi, 19th Century)

Charles A. Jennings as a child, circa 1840, not visibly signed, watercolor on ivory, 4-5/8 x 3-3/8 in.; early gilt wood cove molded frame, 11 x 10 x 2-1/2 in.

Provenance: Sumpter Priddy, Alexandria, Virginia, September 1998 (accompanied by copy of receipt for $3,800); From the Collection of Elbert H. Parsons, Jr., Huntsville, Alabama

Note: This lot is accompanied by significant research connected with Charles Jennings as well as Paulding, Mississippi. Charles Jennings was listed in the 1860 census of Jasper County, Mississippi as 23 years old and a lawyer. He is listed as a member of the 16th MS Infantry Company F. He is noted to have been a lieutenant. (The Veteran's Story by Christine Lightsey)

This lot contains animal or plant material that may be restricted under federal, state and/or local law. Prospective bidders should check all applicable government wildlife restrictions prior to placing a bid. The buyer is solely responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses or permits from federal, state and/or local authorities applicable to their purchase or transport of the object. Please note that bidders in New Jersey may not bid on any lots containing elephant ivory, mammoth ivory, or rhinoceros horn.

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Sumpter Priddy, Alexandria, Virginia, September 1998 (accompanied by copy of receipt for $3,800); From the Collection of Elbert H. Parsons, Jr., Huntsville, Alabama

some wear at top edge, likely from movement in the frame; frame with crackle throughout and losses especially at edge 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.