The McIntosh Legacy: Why These American Audio Icons Still Set the Standard
For more than 75 years, McIntosh Laboratory has defined what premium American audio should sound—and look—like. From the unmistakable glow of its blue watt meters to its uncompromising engineering, McIntosh has earned a reputation that extends far beyond the world of audiophiles. This July, Alderfer Auction is pleased to feature three exceptional McIntosh components in our July 16 Collectors Auction, showcasing the brand's enduring commitment to performance, craftsmanship, and innovation.
The Art of Shibayama: Why Meiji Japan’s Masterpieces Continue to Captivate Collectors
From intricately carved mother-of-pearl blossoms to lifelike birds perched atop silver masterpieces, Shibayama represents one of the highest achievements of Japanese decorative art. This July, Alderfer Auction is proud to present an exceptional group of Shibayama works in our July Collectors Auction, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire museum-quality examples of this celebrated Meiji tradition
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Hidden Pictures: The Secret Art of Fore-Edge Painted Books
Some books keep their best illustrations hidden. At first glance, a fore-edge painted book may look like a finely bound volume with gilt-edged pages, handsome leather covers, and the quiet dignity of an old library shelf. But gently fan the pages, and something unexpected appears: a painted scene concealed along the outer edge of the text block. A landscape, a castle, a harbor, a pastoral view, or a romantic architectural scene may suddenly emerge, only to disappear again when the book is closed.
Alderfer Auction to Offer Lauren Bacall Collection with Louis Vuitton Jewelry Case
Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Cartier are brands that are synonymous with quality, wealth and status. The great actress Lauren Bacall is ranked as one of the greatest 20th century stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. On June 11, 2026, these two entities will be brought together when Alderfer Auction offers a collection of items, ephemera and photographs that once belonged to the screen legend Lauren Bacall.
Collecting Art Glass: Tiffany, Loetz, Durand, and Steuben at Auction
Art glass has always occupied a special place between fine art and decorative design. It is sculptural, functional, and often dazzling in the way it plays with light. For collectors, the appeal lies not only in the beauty of the object itself, but also in the history of the makers, the complexity of the techniques, and the individuality of each piece. Unlike mass-produced table glass, art glass was created to be admired. Its value comes from a combination of craftsmanship, color, form, surface, rarity, and condition.
Fossil or Gemstone? The Unique Category of Dinosaur Gembone
Dinosaur gembone occupies a rare space in the collecting world, one that defies simple categorization. It is at once fossil and gemstone, specimen and decorative material, scientific artifact and lapidary art. Formed when prehistoric bone is mineralized and agatized over millions of years, gembone preserves the cellular structure of dinosaur bone while displaying the color, translucency, and polish of fine chalcedony.
1957 in Focus: Two Vehicles That Defined an Era – Corvette vs. Messerschmitt
The year 1957 stands as a defining moment in automotive history. It was a time when the world was rapidly evolving—industrially, culturally, and technologically. Nations were rebuilding, economies were expanding, and innovation was accelerating at an unprecedented pace. Within this global landscape, automobiles became more than just transportation; they became reflections of identity, ambition, and progress.
