Lifestyles

The new year rings in more than a few significant changes and sales on the local auction scene.

Constantine & Pletcher

Careful readers will notice that a certain Cheswick auctioneer now is sporting a semi-new name. As of Jan. 1, Constantine & Pletcher adorns the marquee of the business formerly known as Constantine & Mayer. The name change reflects the partnership of company founder Jeff Constantine and co-owner Dan Pletcher, who joined the firm three years ago.

"The change really is a subtle one," Pletcher says. "Our regular consignors and customers know I'm a co-owner. But every once in a while a new client will ask to speak to Mr. Mayer if Jeff's not around. The transition will be low-level and seamless, with nothing more noticeable than getting new stationery and changing the name and graphics on our Web site."

A more apparent difference will be the introduction of weekly, Monday evening, noncatalog sales. In general, the goods will carry estimates of less than $1,000, with most items selling in the $50 to $500 range.

"As long as the merchandise is out there, we'll be here every Monday," Pletcher says. "It will be a little bit different than the way we've done business in the past, especially because the setup time between sales will be much shorter than we're used to. In most cases, what we'll see during these sales is a selection of goods that just missed the cut for our cataloged sales, which feature items that can fetch prices in the five-figure neighborhood."

Inaugurating the new business model is a sale of a mixed bag of eclectic goods from various consignors, with a heavy dose of costume jewelry, this Monday.

"We have 200 to 300 pieces of costume jewelry," Pletcher says. "That will be the bulk of the sale. And there are several nice pieces in that group. In addition, we have a good variety of stoneware, glass, toys and some great art -- all for under $500."

On Jan. 19, the auction house returns with another Monday nighter that serves as a preview of the company's Jan. 24 catalog sale.

"Even though the Jan. 19 sale is an uncataloged auction, it will be unusual, because everything comes from a single estate in Oakmont," Pletcher says. "These are quality items that weren't quite up to par for our Jan. 24 sale of merchandise from the same owner. Still, there are some great smalls, from the early 19th-century handmade chests to a nice selection of miniature furniture. This is a good way to get a taste of what will be up for bid later in that same week, which will include an A.F. King still-life."

Previews for this Monday's and the Jan. 19 auctions start at 5 p.m. with bidding at 6 p.m. at the Constantine & Pletcher showroom, 1306 Pittsburgh St., Cheswick.

Details: 724-275-7190.

Three Rivers Auction Co.

Ever mindful of the powerful attraction that the Steelers have on their fans, Tripp Kline called a timeout to move his opening sale of 2009 from Sunday -- the Black and Gold's opening playoff game -- to Monday to avoid any conflict of viewing or bidding interests.

Although it broke with custom in rescheduling its kickoff event of the year, Three Rivers sticks to tradition, as its first sale of the month mainly will feature furniture. Although local auctioneers and dealers will tell you that the market is lukewarm for "brown" furniture from the 1930s and '40s, genuine antiques from the 19th century and earlier still command respectable prices. So expect to see some spirited bidding for an 1820s bow-front chest, an arrowback painted Windsor settee, a Jacobean sideboard and other pieces that have passed the test of time.

If you're inviting a big group of friends to your home to watch the Steelers, a 94-inch-long walnut trestle table can hold plenty of nachos, wings, kielbasa and other treats on game day. Originally mated with a dozen Baroque-style chairs, the pieces will be sold separately.

This auction shines with a collection of neon beer signs that might just add a special glow to the goings-on. While most of the signs are of a recent vintage, a few will tap a nostalgic barroom memory or two for brands such as Schmidt's of Philadelphia and Koehler's beers.

Previews will be noon to 7 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. Saturday, followed by the noon sale, at Three Rivers Auction Co., West Beau and Washington streets in Washington.

Details: 724-222-8020.

Three Rivers Auction Co.

Long fellow: This tavern-style walnut trestle table with two board stretches out to an extraordinary 94 inches. Estimate: $800-$1200.

Square deal: Probably somewhere around 120 years old, this Emerson square piano is actually a grand piano. Squares were popular during the end of the 19th century because they were smaller and cheaper than traditional grand models. Estimate $500-$700.

Great bench strength: This early Windsor-style arrowback settee is painted with a stenciled back. Estimate: $600-$800.

Unchained memory: Powered by a beveled-gear drive shaft, this chainless Spalding messenger bike is a relic of the days when the bicycle was king of the road in this country and around the world. Estimate $150-$200.

J.S. Dill Auctions

Old acquaintances weren't forgot at J.S. Dill's New Year's Day sale that featured the contents of a former North Side general store and a few key additions. Highlights of the day included a Civil War coat rack forged of Union battle sabers and muskets with a final hammer price of $6,900. A folk-art painting brought in an additional $4,100 during an auction that was a "rocker from start to finish," says co-owner Jack Dill. "It's a great way to start the new year."

Co-owners Dill and Bob Hanks will treat themselves to a bye week before returning Jan. 15 with a sale from a Butler estate. Featuring a lineup of newer Ethan Allen furniture, the auction includes a selection of female Royal Doulton figurines, Lionel trains, sterling silver and a 1960s soapbox derby car sponsored by the Lawrence Savings & Trust Co.

The preview starts at 5 p.m., with bidding at 6 p.m., at the J.S. Dill showroom, 2341 Evans City Road, Zelienople.

Details: 724-453-0853.

Royal York Auction Gallery

Following an extended year-end break, the Royal York returns on Jan. 17 with a general sale of glassware, art, silver, furniture and household goods. Previews will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 15 and 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 16. The sale will begin at 9 a.m. Jan. 17 at 5925 Baum Blvd., East Liberty.

Details: 412-661-1171.

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