G.T. Marsh was established in 1876 in San Francisco, CA as one of the first purveyors of Japanese art and antiques. In the early 30’s Marsh, with the help of his Italian bench jeweler settled on a unique style that will always be indicative of the firm. Instead of using gold or platinum, the jeweler, who was interested in gun-smithing, created a line of jewels using sandblasted steel finished with gun bluing. This resulted in a rich dark mat black finish. Chased or milegrained white gold or platinum offset pearls, jade or diamonds set against the black ground of the steel. Movement also played a part in the design. Hinged pearls or gemstones added yet another distinct element to the work or exceptionally strong contrasting graphics. The use of diamonds on a grander scale with the dramatic outline of a classic paisley form, places this brooch mid-century and at a time when Marsh’s Jewelry boutique was particularly flourishing in the Bay area.
Enrico Serafini (1913-1968) was born in Florence, had a workshop in Piazza Santa Felicità in that city in 1947, and quickly established a successful business creating jewelry for many celebrities of that time, including John Steinbeck and Adlai Stevenson.
DOROTHY RENO GROVER (1908-1975) USA
“California Interior with black cat” c. 1950’s
Oil on Canvas
Canvas: H: 40″ x W: 34 1/2″
Framed: H: 42″ x W: 36 1/2″
Born in Dallas, TX on Sept. 10, 1908 into a pioneer Texas family. (Her grandfather was mayor of Dallas, and Brownsville, Texas is named for him.) Dorothy Reno moved to California with her family at age ten and settled in San Mateo. After graduating from Mills College, she obtained an M.A. degree from UC Berkeley. She wed radio announcer John B. Grover in 1931 and settled in Oakland. In 1971 she bought the former home of artist Glenn Wessels in Berkeley where she remained until her death.
FLAVIO POLI (1900-1984) Italy
SEGUSO VETRI D’ARTE Italy
Bottle with stopper c. 1950’s
Spectacular large decanter or bottle with stopper with a golden cognac cased glass interior tear drop form suspended in a solid clear glass body by FLAVIO POLI (1900-1984) Italy for SEGUSO VETRI D’ARTE Italy
H: 16 1/2″
Price: $4,200