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Our Premier Autumn Auction | Session I | October 21, 2025

Tue, Oct 21, 2025 10:00AM EDT
  2025-10-21 10:00:00 2025-10-21 10:00:00 America/New_York Brunk Auctions Brunk Auctions : Our Premier Autumn Auction | Session I | October 21, 2025 https://live.brunkauctions.com/auctions/brunk/our-premier-autumn-auction-session-i-october-21-2025-19376
The first day of our Premier Auction features a life portrait of George Washington, a Rare Virginia Painted Chest by Johannes Spitler, Massasoit and other weathervanes, Mark Catesby 1754 volumes, works by Catlin, Peale, Gifford, others; jewelry includes 4.8 ct. Marquise Diamond Pendant, Pepsi Rolex GMT and more; 20th century makers include Wifredo Lam, Judy McKie, Picasso, Glenna Goodacre; unusual offerings include paleontology specimens and castings; also carpets, quilts, needleworks, Tiffany, Baccarat; items from the Estate of William H. Truettner, and so much more.
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Lot 84

Very Rare Virginia Paint Decorated Lift Top Chest by Johannes Spitler

Estimate: $80,000 - $120,000
Starting Bid
$40,000

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

Page County, Virginia, the front with initial signature "ISP 1796", yellow pine throughout with red, white, and blue paint decoration, original feet and iron strap hinges, underside of top with illegible inscriptions, 24 x 47-1/4 x 22 in.

Provenance: David Pence (1777-1824), Page County, Virginia; by descent in family through daughter; George Bickleman, Birmingham, Michigan; Tim Hills, Novi, Michigan; David Pottinger, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Lindsay Grigsby, Richmond, Virginia; Don and Faye Walters, Williamsburg, Virginia; John Newcomer; Deanne Levison, American Antiques; Private Collection, purchased from the above April 19th, 1980 (accompanied by copy of invoice); An Important Atlanta Private Collection

 

Literature: This piece appears in American Painted Furniture, by Cynthia V.A. Schaffner and Susan Klein, pg. 161, fig. 7.12 and Magazine Antiques, October, 1975.

For a detailed discussion of this important chest and its history, see our website. Brunk Auctions is grateful to Betsy Davison for her assistance in accurately cataloging this rare chest.

 

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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.

David Pence (1777-1824), Page County, Virginia; by descent in family through daughter; George Bickleman, Birmingham, Michigan; Tim Hills, Novi, Michigan; David Pottinger, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Lindsay Grigsby, Richmond, Virginia; Don and Faye Walters, Williamsburg, Virginia; John Newcomer; Deanne Levison, American Antiques; Private Collection, purchased from the above April 19th, 1980 (accompanied by copy of invoice); An Important Atlanta Private Collection

 

surface wear and losses to paint, especially to top (see photos), the front molding of the top appears to be an old replacement, feet are largely original with scattered breaks and repairs (three facings ended out approximately one inch), abrasions and wear to top and base moldings, top with one small triangular patch at corner, some warping, lock replaced 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.