Richard D. Hatch & Associates to hold major multi-estate auction Nov. 19-20 in Flat Rock, N.C.

FLAT ROCK, NC, October 22, 2010 (Press-News.org) A pair of remarkable estates, plus hundreds of other fresh-to-the-market consignments, will cross the block at a weekend antique auction slated for Nov. 19-20 by Richard D. Hatch & Associates. The sale will be conducted in the firm's spacious gallery, located at 913 Upward Road in Flat Rock. Internet bidding will be facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com.

One of the estates is that of Jeanne Millett, who was born in England in 1922 and moved to this country with her family at age 11. For her 16th birthday, her father gave her a field-type English Setter dog, and thus began a lifelong love affair with that dog, the breed in general and eventually all creatures great and small. Her collections reflected that love until her death in July.

Ms. Millett's estate includes many canine, equestrian, hunting and sporting paintings, watercolors, lithographs and etchings; hundreds of dog, horse and animal figurines (by makers such as Dahl Jensen, Rosenthal, Herend, Royal Doulton, Beswick, Hutschenreuther and others); and animal bronzes and books. But there is one more item, kept in the family garage for decades.

That item is a 1947 Buick Woody Super 8 Roadmaster. It had been Ms. Millett's father's car, and she couldn't bear to part with it. Richard Hatch found it after going through the house and viewing an already amazing inventory. "After 32 years in the auction business, it takes a lot to excite me," Hatch said, "and that Woody, all covered with dust and spiderwebs, excited me."

The other major estate is that of James Blackwell, a name familiar to folks in the cut glass associations. Over the course of his lifetime, Mr. Blackwell amassed an incredible collection of American Brilliant Cut Glass, widely known as ABCG and enormously popular with collectors. Mr. Blackwell's fine ABCG collection is mostly signed, with superb patterns, shapes and forms.

Over the course of his lifetime, Mr. Blackwell gathered examples by the greatest names in fine cut glass: Fry, Webb, Tuthill, Clark, Dorflinger, Libbey, Hawkes, Sinclaire, Hoare, the Unger brothers, Pairpoint and more. Now, with the occasion of his passing, Mr. Blackwell's collection will be sold to the highest bidder, Nov. 19-20. Glass collectors, mark your calendars.

"Per the wishes of these two individuals, upon their deaths, each one wanted me to find new owners for their cherished possessions," Mr. Hatch said. "I am always honored when past customers name my firm to find new homes for the items they so loved." Bidders will be able to preview items on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 18-19, from 1-6, and Saturday from 9:30-11 a.m.

Other items from prominent estates and collections in the area that will also cross the block include lots of sterling silver and silverplate (to include trophies, flatware, servers and more), a wonderful collection of inkwells and fountain pens, fine estate jewelry (to include diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies), Art Deco, pocket watches and Rolex wristwatches.

Also sold will be pearls, many Oriental items, Persian rugs (from mats to room size), Art Deco Chinese Nichols rugs, fine furniture, china services, fine porcelains, a collection of Heisey with equestrian decor, lamps, fine clocks, steins, andirons and fireplace tools, early pistols, an Indian collection, art pottery (to include Roseville and Rookwood), coins, postcards and more.

Ms. Millett's love for dogs and horses cannot be overstated. She had many field trial wins with her first English Setter and had similar success with Beagles. But her greatest success came in the breed ring. She won countless Best of Breeds, Best of Groups and Best in Show awards. Her English Setter "Dirk" was crowned the top nationwide dog in its breed two years in a row.

The first horse Ms. Millett owned was a young Morgan that she learned how to ride by reading a book on how to break a horse. Her second horse was a saddle bred filly she got in New Hampshire. She named the horse Charm and it followed her wherever she went, more like a dog than a horse. One day she heard about a carriage driving horse and yet another passion was born.

Collecting sporting art was more than just a hobby for Ms. Millett. After her handling days were over, she often set up lovely and fascinating sales booths at the bigger dog shows. She was known for having just the right and unique piece to complete or start a collection. Later in life, she relocated to Tryon, N.C., where she was a proud member of the Carolina Carriage Club.

A 10 percent buyer's premium will be applied to all in-house sales, 15 percent on all Internet purchases, via LiveAuctioneers.com. Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. A full catalog, showing photos of all items to be sold, in full color, will be posted on the Richard D. Hatch & Associates website (www.RichardHatchAuctions) about one week prior to the auction.

Flat Rock, N.C., is located off exit 53 of Interstate 26 (then go north one mile). Richard D. Hatch & Associates is always accepting quality items for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or an entire collection, you may call them, at (828) 696-3440, or you can e-mail them, at hatchauctioninfo@yahoo.com. For more information, log on to http://www.RichardHatchAuctions.com.