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In 2025, the estate and probate auction market in the United States and Europe is undergoing a major transformation. With trillions of dollars in wealth set to change hands as the baby boomer generation passes assets to heirs, the demand for estate liquidation and probate court–supervised auctions has never been higher. These auctions are no longer seen as mere methods for disposing of family belongings. Instead, they have become a strategic intersection of wealth transfer, legal compliance, and alternative investment opportunities . For heirs, estate auctions often provide the fastest and most transparent way to settle inheritance disputes, pay off debts, and unlock liquidity from real estate, art, jewelry, and collectibles. Probate auctions, conducted under court supervision, add an additional layer of credibility but also bring legal complexity and strict procedural requirements. Lawyers and wealth advisors play a critical role in guiding families through this process—ensuring comp...

In 2025, the auction market across the United States and Europe is experiencing one of its strongest growth periods in decades. No longer confined to the world of collectors and enthusiasts, auctions have evolved into a powerful platform for acquiring high-value assets ranging from real estate and fine art to luxury cars. Prestigious auction houses such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Bonhams are recording record-breaking sales, while online platforms like eBay and Heritage Auctions are expanding access to millions of investors and buyers worldwide. This shift highlights a critical transformation: auctions are no longer seen merely as avenues for passion-driven purchases but as alternative investment channels . Real estate auctions offer investors the chance to acquire properties below market value, often with double-digit return potential after renovation or resale. Art auctions, once considered the realm of connoisseurs, are increasingly integrated into wealth management strategies as...

With their intricate gears and openwork frames, skeleton clocks invite us to marvel at the mechanics of time. These timepieces, celebrated for their exposed movements, offer not only precision of time but transform into beautiful art pieces for your mantelplace. A Brief History of Skeleton Clocks Skeleton clocks, which feature exposed gearings and movements, first became popular in France during the late 18th century. This style did not gain widespread popularity until around 19th century England where they became a popular decorative piece for mantelplaces. These timepieces transformed the act of telling time into a visual experience, allowing viewers to appreciate the craftsmanship of the clock's movements. The Industrial Revolution made clock production more efficient. Clockmakers could produce intricate designs more efficiently, therefore bringing skeleton clocks within reach of more households. Notable makers such as Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy, John Smith & Sons, and W.F. Eva...

Barridoff Auctions’ Summer 2025 International Fine Art Sale invites bidders to dive into a curated selection of fine art that reflects both the vibrancy of the season and the expressive power of the human figure. Among the standout lots in this year’s auction are four compelling works depicting bathers; each offering a unique interpretation of leisure, movement, and identity in the context of water. Carl Sprinchorn’s Sensuous Studies Two intimate works by Carl Sprinchorn (American, 1887–1971) capture the artist’s fascination with the figure in repose and motion. Known for his robust brushwork and dedication to modernist forms, Sprinchorn’s “Bather” and “Diver at Pool” are executed in pastel and watercolor, imbuing the subjects with both immediacy and elegance. “Bather,” a vertical composition measuring just over 11 inches tall, presents a poised and introspective figure rendered in warm tones and gestural strokes. Meanwhile, “Diver at Pool” co...

Halloween may still be weeks away, but collectors of vintage holiday memorabilia will have plenty to get excited about this month. On August 27, 2025, Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates presents Summer Americana: Day 1, a sale brimming with folk art, advertising, toys, and nostalgic treasures. Among the highlights are a handful of rare and highly collectible Halloween-themed lots, perfect for enthusiasts who cherish the eerie charm of early 20th-century holiday décor. Here are five standout pieces crossing the block: German Papier-Mâché Jack-o’-Lantern A classic expression of Halloween tradition, this German papier-mâché lantern embodies the handmade craftsmanship that makes early jack-o’-lanterns so desirable. Collectors value these for their delicate construction and ability to evoke the mischievous spirit of vintage Halloween nights. Lot #30 Circa 1925 Papier-mache or pressed cardboa...

Mid-Century and Modern designer furnishings frame Rafael Osona's April 26th Daffodil Weekend Auction. 715 lots include over 100 offerings provenanced among 7 named Nantucket Island estates and private collections; additional estate finds to be presented at auction continually throughout Osona's 2025 season. A two-day gallery preview will showcase Modern alongside 19th Century design. From Mid-Century Denmark, Poul Jensen's pair of “Z” cushioned lounge chairs for Selig are considered iconic.                                                       lot 131 est. $2,000-$2,500   A finely crafted 1960's corner bar cabinet mirrors the Danish reverence for nature, while both in detail and in scale a colossal, impeccably crafted Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase by Maitland Smith holds cour...