On The Block: Pick Up Some Great Stuff In Rago’s Annual Mid-Mod Sale
Author:Philip FerratoRago Arts, the auction house based in Lambertsville, New Jersey is offering a wide-ranging selection of Mid-century and modern furniture and accessories online on June 6, part of a weekend of auctions. With over 800 lots, we’ve barely touched the surface with a few standout pieces.
Best known in its upholstered version and partnered with Hans Wegner’s iconic Papa bear chair as a footstool, the oak and cane version (above) is both light and lovely…and rarely seen. Estimated at $1,500 to $2,000, Lot 830 has a rich patina and the great sculptural presence that Wegner collectors prize. 
Above, a handsome, classic 84-inch sofa designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, Estimated at $2,000-$3,000, Lot 684 might need new upholstery (as per the condition report), but whatever you choose to do, this sofa makes a big graphic statement in the middle of a room. Also by Robsjohn-Gibbings, a lot of four brass lamps, two table (shown) and two standing floor lamps by made by Hansen, a small New York City manufacturer that produced superbly crafted lighting fixtures in the ’50s and ’60s. While Lot 684 might be catnip for a dealer, you could finish off a room with this elegant quartet, estimated at $1,800–$2,400.
Lot 750, a handcarved walnut screen by American Studio, could be just the thing to divide a room or define a foyer in an otherwise open plan. Estimated at $3,000-$5,000, the early-’70s piece is 87×125 inches.
A lovely dining table in solid rosewood by the Italian design pioneers Ico and Luis Parisi, Lot 765 has the advantage of being just shy of 7 feet long and would also make a great desk or library table. Estimated to bring $1,000-$1,500, we think it’s a bargain for their work.
Lot 774 is another potential bargain by a great Italian architect and designer. This black leather 70-inch sofa by the legendary Antonio Citterio for Flexform is expected to bring between $1,500 and $2,500.
Looking back, Milo Baughman’s work balancing warm, luxurious materials with light metal structures was the epitome of ‘70s cool. Lot 848, a 6-foot olivewood burl and chromed steel cabinet/sideboard is a perfect example his work and expected to bring $2,500 to $3,500.
Dazzle them in the bike lane with this Marc Newsom Biomega MN02 bicycle. The condition report cites “taped tears in the seat” but says the 7-speed Shimano gears work perfectly. Lot 879 is expected to fetch $1,800-$2,400, a steal when you consider Newsom’s chairs are often in the six-figure range– and you can’t ride those to work.
