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American Timekeepers at Auction: Rittenhouse and the Stretch Family
On December 11 our Fine Art auction brings together three remarkable tall‑case clocks from the rich tradition of Philadelphia horology. Each piece bears the name of a master—David Rittenhouse, Peter Stretch and Thomas Stretch—and each tells a distinct story of craftsmanship and culture. Tall‑case clocks, often called grandfather clocks, emerged as coveted household statements in the mid‑eighteenth century. In these auction lots we see the full arc of that tradition: from Peter Stretch’s Quaker refinement to Thomas Stretch’s Queen Anne flourish and David Rittenhouse’s scientific sobriety.
Collecting Martin: What to Look For in Vintage and Modern Models
Martin guitars are pillars of American musical history. From the parlor guitars played in 19th‑century parlors to modern composite instruments and rare forays into electric design, the company’s instruments trace the evolution of popular music. Whether you’re a seasoned collector searching for a pre‑war treasure or a player looking for an affordable, durable Martin for regular use, understanding serial numbers, style designations, condition factors and market trends is essential.
From Samurai Utility to Collectors’ Treasure: The Story of the Inro
Among the highlights of the Galloway and Sandra Morris Estate Auction on November 6th, a series of finely crafted Japanese inro boxes reveal how the smallest objects can embody centuries of cultural evolution. Once a practical accessory in the daily life of samurai and scholars, the inro has become a coveted collectible—admired for its technical brilliance, narrative imagery, and deep connection to Japanese art traditions.
The Fascinating Symbolism in Asian Art Motifs: Dragons, Cranes, and Peonies
Asian art has long captivated collectors around the globe, not only for its exquisite craftsmanship but also for the profound symbolism woven into every design. From the fierce protection of the dragon to the graceful longevity of the crane, these motifs tell stories that span dynasties, religions, and cultural traditions.
As we approach Collectors Day 2 on October 16th, the upcoming auction offers a rare glimpse into this symbolic world. Featuring Japanese Satsuma pottery, cloisonné vases, and Chinese decorative arts, many lots in this sale embody motifs that go far beyond decoration—they serve as spiritual guardians, cultural emblems, and signs of prosperity.
Let’s explore some of the most meaningful motifs represented in this auction and why they continue to enchant collectors.
Meet Allyson Babcock – Accredited Appraiser & Sales Associate
At Alderfer Auction, we are proud to have a team of experts who bring passion, knowledge, and experience to every service we offer. One of our most trusted specialists is Allyson Constant Babcock, an accredited appraiser and sales associate with over 15 years of experience in the auction and appraisal world.
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Collecting Across Styles: Impressionism, Abstraction, and Pop
The upcoming two-day auction offers a rare opportunity to explore how different artistic movements, separated by decades, can be viewed together as part of a broader story of 20th-century art. With Day 1 devoted to Mid-Century Modern works and Day 2 focused on Fine Art, the sale highlights the range of collecting opportunities — from bold Pop imagery to the atmospheric landscapes of the Pennsylvania Impressionists.
Alderfer Auction to Offer One of the Earliest Known William Penn Signed Land Documents
On March 4, 1681 King Charles II signed a charter to William Penn granting him approximately 45,000 square miles of land in North America being what is now Pennsylvania and Delaware. The grant was issued to William by the King as part of the crown’s financial obligation to William’s father who served as English admiral and politician who served in the House of Commons from 1660 to 1670. In England at this time the Quaker religion was also being persecuted and Penn subsequently offered a possible mass emigration to the “New World” if land was available. For these reasons King Charles II and his royal council proceeded to issue the land grant making Penn the largest land non-royal land owner in the world.
