Brunk Auctions
Live Auction

Collection of Joe Matthews and John Shank | July 9, 2026

Thu, Jul 9, 2026 10:00AM EDT
  2026-07-09 10:00:00 2026-07-09 10:00:00 America/New_York Brunk Auctions Brunk Auctions : Collection of Joe Matthews and John Shank | July 9, 2026 https://live.brunkauctions.com/auctions/brunk/collection-of-joe-matthews-and-john-shank-july-9-2026-22487
Brunk Auctions is delighted to present the Collection of Joe Matthews and John Shank, Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Featuring more than 400 lots of fine art, furniture, silver, porcelain, lighting, Chinese and Chinese Export works of art, carpets and garden statuary, and much more.
Brunk Auctions support@brunkauctions.com
Lot 38

Twelve English Silver Forks with Harriet Lane Provenance and Book

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000
Starting Bid
$750

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

London, 1835, hourglass and shell handle, crest, marks for Charles Boyton, .925 fine, 39.67 oz. T., 8 in.; with book by Bob O'Connor, Harriet Lane, The Original First Lady of Washington

Provenance: Family history reports that the forks were purchased as being owned by Harriet Lane; The Collection of Joe Matthews and John Shank, Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Note: Harriet Lane served as hostess for her uncle, President James Buchanan, becoming one of America’s most admired First Ladies before the title was officially used. Known for her grace, intelligence, and charitable work, she supported education, healthcare, and the arts. Later, she made significant philanthropic gifts, including support for children’s healthcare, leaving a lasting legacy of public service and generosity.

Available payment options

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Amex
  • Diners
  • Discover
  • JCB
  • Union Pay

Purchased items will be available for pick up or shipping from our Asheville, North Carolina auction facility within ten business days of the auction, or will be assessed a storage fee of $5.00 per day, per item. Purchaser agrees that packing and shipping is done at the purchaser's risk and that the purchaser will pay in advance all packing expenses, materials, carrier fees and insurance charges. At our discretion, items will either be packed by an agent such as a packaging store or Brunk Auctions. Please allow two weeks for shipping after payment is received. Shipment of large items is the responsibility of the purchaser. We are happy to provide names of carriers and shippers if a purchaser so requests. Brunk Auctions will have no liability for any loss or damage to shipped items.

Family history reports that the forks were purchased as being owned by Harriet Lane; The Collection of Joe Matthews and John Shank, Shepherdstown, West Virginia

good condition 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.