@Auction Snapshot: The Smithsonian Bird

On June 23rd, Artfact was excited and proud to partner with Antique Helper of Indianapolis for its Townsend Collection Part II Auction. The sale featured items from the expansive collection of the late Earl Townsend, Jr. and was a trove for prehistoric North American artifact enthusiasts.

Townsend was a passionate collector and historian. His storied collection of prehistoric stone artifacts was viewed as the best and largest ever assembled. Townsend began collecting in 1920 and, over the decades, actively sought out the finest examples of North American prehistoric artifacts. Placing a special emphasis on birdstones, Townsend had, at one time, over 600 in his collection.[1]

The highlight of the Townsend Collection Part II was The Smithsonian Bird, revered as the finest porphyry granite birdstone in existence. Discovered around 1882 in Vernon County, Wisconsin, the name derives from it once being part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

During the auction, the tension was tangible as The Smithsonian Bird, Lot. 41, crept closer to the block. Even from 900 miles away, as I watched online with Artfact and AuctionZip , the excitement was palpable when the auctioneer called for opening bids. With bidders on the floor, the phone, and online, a bidding war was sure to ensue. However, an astronomical opening bid rapidly quelled any competition. After a few quick bids, the hammer was brought down on the final selling price of $725,000.

[1] http://www.antiquehelper.com/auction/343