The Richard Hegel Collection comes to Auction in Meriden at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8.
“Over the course of more than 50 years, Richard Hegel assembled a fantastic collection” said auctioneer Ryan Brechlin.
The auction will feature almost four hundred lots of art, antiques, collectibles and historical items. The primary focus of the auction is the town of New Haven, and Yale University. Dozens of rare maps of the Connecticut and New Haven area will be offered along with historical and topical books. Documents and ephemera from the town of New Haven span almost three hundred years of history. Additionally, hundreds of etchings, engravings and prints will be sold.
“The Yale University portion of this collection is beautiful to look at” says Brechlin. Hundreds of smartly bound blue books, Yale athletics programs and souvenirs, photographs and documents will temp collectors from all over the world. A group of China and Silver-plate from the famed Mory’s Restaurant is expected to bring $300 to $500.
Oil paintings, watercolors and prints from the 18th through the 20th century will be offered throughout the extensive auction. Subjects such as East and West Rock, Lighthouse point, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and the New Haven Green abound. Among the hundreds of artists are George Candee, Robert Wisemann, Ellen Oakford and C.C. Benham.
An Early American oil painting of East Rock in New Haven painted in the manner of George Durrie is sure to draw some attention. It is estimated at $2,000-$4,000.
“From the casual collector, to the very serious New Haven and Yale experts, there will be a lot of interest in this auction” said Brechlin.
One of the star pieces in Mr. Hegels collection is an 18th Century Federal Dining table that retains its original Label from the Cabinet Maker George Shipley. Estimated at $1,000 to $3,000 it is sure to attract attention from many dealers and collectors.
Dozens of New England decoys make up a large part of the collection. Most are primitive working decoys from the 18th and 19th Century. Ducks, swans and shorebirds can be found from CT and other area carvers. The decoy collection is expected to bring $3,000-$5,000 total.
New Haven historical items are prominently featured in Mr. Hegel’s collection. A 19th century New Haven painted oyster bucket is a rare and valuable item to cross the block. Estimated at $300 to $500, local interest could drive the price way up. A group of photographs from the blizzard of 1888 show New Haven buried in 5-10 feet of snow.
Many lots in the auction showcase the varied and attractive New Haven area stoneware jugs, crocks and bottles.
Antiques abound in this auction with a fine selection of American, English and French Silver. An English tall case clock, Primitives, candlesticks and early American objects make this a complete sale.
Richard Hegel was appointed municipal historian of the town of New Haven by Mayor Biagio DeLieto in the 1980’s. Mr. Hegel held the position until his passing earlier this year. He was former director of the New Haven Colony Historical Society, graduate of Yale, Southern Connecticut State University, and Gateway Colleges. He was also past president of the Yale Club of New Haven, New Haven Preservation Trust, and creator of the Richard Hegel Scholarship.
Mr. Hegel’s collection was assembled over the course of fifty years, and was prominently displayed in his New Haven Connecticut home.
For details of Nest Egg Auctions’ Collection of Richard Hegel, call 203-630-1400 or e-mail ryan@nesteggauctions.com. All forms of bidding will be available. The catalog may be viewed at www.nesteggauctions.com. Nest Egg Auctions is a family-operated auction gallery offering service to the antique and estate industries.
For more information or to arrange an interview or photo opportunity contact Ryan Brechlin.