A few examples of appraisal values for
BALKE

• BRUNSWICK "THE BRILLIANT NOVELTY" POOL
  BRUNSWICK "THE BRILLIANT NOVELTY" POOL TABLEBrunswick Balke Collender Co."Brilliant Novelty" Pool Table with fantastic inlay throughout. Monarch cushions, rosewood rails, leather pockets complete with ball return, balls, 9 cues, and 1 bridge. 3
• AN 1880S BRUNSWICK & BALKE BILLIARDS
  AN 1880S BRUNSWICK & BALKE BILLIARDS CUE STICK RACKThe solid walnut wall hanging cue stick rack is carved in Eastlake style influence and topped by a plaque lettered THE J. M. BRUNSWICK & BALKE CO. Nine vintage cue sticks are included.Rack measures 65.25 x 40 inches.Very good restored condition, no damage, repair or wear.
• OAK BILLIARDS MIRRORED CUE RACK, EARLY
  OAK BILLIARDS MIRRORED CUE RACK, EARLY 20TH C.A stately oak triple mirror and cue rack, first half of the 20th century. Very similar in design to Brunswick - Balke - Collender's late 19th century designs. Measures 66" x 64" x 9". Provenance: The Shirley Bush Helzberg and Webster House collections. Condition There is a small chip to the top right corner of the cornice. Otherwise very good condition.
• THURSTON, HOWARD. THURSTON THE GREAT
  THURSTON, HOWARD. THURSTON THE GREAT MAGICIAN. BALAAM A...Cincinnati, Strobridge Litho., 1914. Color lithographed advertising a transposition illusion from Thurston’s show which included a boy, girl, and donkey vanishing and reappearing in several parts of the theater. 28 ½ x 38 ½". Minor restoration. A-. “[One] reason why Howard Franklin Thurston was the preeminent magician in his era was a willingness to spend whatever amounts of money were necessary to keep the show in top form constantly bringing in new effects. “Balaam and His Donkey” was such an instance. A boy, girl and donkey walked up a short ramp into a curtained cabinet. The donkey balked at first, until Thurston whispered into his ear, and it went right in. All three had disappeared when the curtain was reopened. Instantly an uproar at the back of the theatre revealed the boy and the girl trying to pull the donkey down the aisle. No other magicians, probably would spend the money needed for two sets of twins and two donkeys, their care and transport, for one illusion lasting so brief a moment in time. But [Thurston] could afford it.” (John Booth, “Memoirs of a Magician’s Ghost,” The Linking Ring, V79 N11, Nov. 1999)
• C. 1912 BRUNSWICK-BALKE-COLLENDER POOL
  C. 1912 BRUNSWICK-BALKE-COLLENDER POOL TABLEThe lot features an original Brunswick-Balke-Collender pool table dating to circa 1912, in original condition. The pool table is either a Richelieu, Homewood, Coreno, or The Reno model. The table shows four large rectangular legs with a thin white line inlay matching the rectangular shape on all four sides of each leg. The sides are at an angle and show three inlaid sections at the long sides and a single inlaid section at each end. The top edge is squared off with heavy thick original leather pockets and a mother of pearl like inlaid diamonds along the top edge. Brunswick Balke Collender manufactured some of the finest large mercantile and gaming cabinets and tables. The top is inlaid with "The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. Monarch Cushions". The table shows cast iron original Brunswick swing out pool cue chalk holders on the end. One end shows the original gold label with the Patent dates with the last patent date being May 7, 1912. The table presumably has the original slate, but not confirmed. Nice condition for its historic age. The table has been professionally dissembled for easier transport and shipping.*
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "GYRFALCON"Don Balke
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "GYRFALCON"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Gyrfalcon" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 37c Gyrfalcon Arctic Animals stamp issue of July 2, 2003. The largest falcon in the world, the gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus can reach up to two feet in length. Especially prized in falconry (the 4000-year-old sport of employing falcons in hunting game), the gyrfalcon is traditionally known as the "bird of kings." In medieval diplomacy, it played an important role as a valuable present. Even today, modern falconers often pay princely sums -- well into the many thousands of dollars -- for a single specimen. The gyrfalcon is an intensely capable bird: while the eagle often uses its large size to rob meals from other birds of prey, and the peregrine falcon counts on gravity to gain high speeds in a pursuit, the gyrfalcon relies on sheer raw power alone to capture its prey, usually in an intensive tail chase. Although slower than other falcons as it begins a chase, it quickly gains momentum and can outfly the fastest duck. The gyrfalcon's persistence and determination in pursuing its quarry distinguishes it from all other hunting birds and is key to its legendary status: it simply does not give up, following its chosen target until the fleeing creature is worn out, captured or lucky enough to find impregnable refuge. Its extremely keen eyesight -- many times that of man -- allows the gyrfalcon to spot all but the most well-camouflaged of prey. A noble bird revered worldwide for its courage, power and grace, the gyrfalcon is, fittingly, the official mascot of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Image Size: 7 x 6 in. Overall Size: 14 x 13 in. Unframed. (B17095) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "WHITE-TAILED DEER"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "WHITE-TAILED DEER"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "White-tailed Deer" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for Balke's Baby Wildlife of the 50 States, postmarked December 12, 1984. In a dense thicket deep in the woods of Pennsylvania, a pair of reddish-brown fawns lie still, their white-dappled backs blending almost perfectly with the shadows and fallen leaves about them. Resting quietly in the forest, they are waiting patiently for their mother, a fully-grown White-tailed Deer, who has gone for food and drink. She must eat well, for when she returns, she will nurse her twins -- sometimes triplets -- with milk that contains three times the protein and fat found in cow's milk. On such hardy fare, the tender young fawns grow quickly. Their first few steps on long, thin, wobbly legs are quite a struggle -- often accompanied by some awkward splats on the ground -- as all four feet go out from under them. But determination and a little persistence pay off. For soon, these beautiful young fawns are gracefully frolicking through the shaded thicket, running and jumping about, and nuzzling their mother in a show of loving affection. She will suckle them until fall when it is time for her to mate again. In the meantime, they will acquire a taste for the lush, green grass, leaves, moss, tree bark and tender young buds that will make up their adult diet. Growing to a height of four feet at the shoulder and weighing about two hundred pounds, the White-tailed Deer can run more than thirty miles an hour, with an innate ability to jump obstacles up to eight feet high and leap crevices thirty feet wide. Both fawns and adults are enchanting beasts of the thick Pennsylvania woodlands. Image Size: 11 x 12.5 in. Overall Size: 19.25 x 21 in. Unframed. (B09210) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "LILAC-BREASTED
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER BIRD"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Lilac-breasted Roller Bird" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the International Audubon Fund Uganda Lilac-breasted Roller stamp issued November 2, 1987. The multihued Lilac-breasted Roller is a showy, noisy, but nevertheless frequently shy bird -- birdwatchers of Uganda must sometimes be alert to spot one, especiallly during nesting season. The name "Roller" comes from the spectacular and noisy aerobatics this species indulges in on occasion: the Roller's command of the air is total, with a favorite manuever being a skyward soar followed by a long tumbling, rolling pitch back to earth. Another characteristic: Lilac-breasted Rollers will travel long distances to feed on the insects and lizards scared up by a grass fire. But at least when their owner is sitting still, it is the Lilac-breasted Roller's magnificently colored feathers that inspire the most attention. Green, brown, violet, pale greenish blue, lilac, white, black, greenish yellow -- the Lilac-breasted Roller is an attention-getting patchwork of many hues. As one might expect with plumage like that, the nest is hidden out of sight, usually in an inaccessible hole in the stump of a tree or palm. Image Size: 17.5 x 14.75 in. Overall Size: 20 x 18 in. Unframed. (B12044) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "SCARLET TANAGER"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "SCARLET TANAGER"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Scarlet Tanager" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. Wildlife of the 50 States 22c Scarlet Tanager/New Jersey stamp issued June 13, 1987. The brilliant Scarlet Tanager male enlivens the summer scenery with lush, flame red feathers perfectly accented by the sooty black of its wings and tail. These beautiful birds spend much of their time in the very tops of trees high above the forest floor. There they move freely, though rather sluggishly, in search of berries and the leaf-eating insects on which they dine. Because of their preference for lofty heights, Scarlet Tanagers are seldom seen except when lured by cool, clean water for bathing. Aside from these rare appearances on the ground, this striking bird's presence is generally marked only by its melodic song. A bit husky in tone, the Tanager's call has been described as sounding like "a robin with a sore throat." Nonetheless, it is a song which gladdens those who listen for it. Come fall, the Scarlet Tanager molts, exchanging his brilliant summer plumage for the olive-green coloring of his mate. Then it is time to join the flock as they migrate, under cover of darkness, to the warmer climates of South America. But, with the advent of springtime, the Tanagers will return to fill the tops of the forest foliage with color and song. Image Size: 13.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 14 x 17 in. Unframed. (B10857) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "MONARCH BUTTERFLY"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "MONARCH BUTTERFLY"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Monarch Butterfly" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. Wildlife of the 50 States 22c Monarch Butterfly/Illinois stamp issued June 13, 1987. Monarch Butterflies are perhaps the best known and most familiar butterflies in North America. All summer long, Monarch Butterflies are seen basking in the warm sunshine. As they take flight, their orange and black wings glow brightly against the sky. Monarchs do not fear attacks by birds as many butterflies do, for they are protected by an acrid odor which causes potential predators to avoid them. As summer turns to autumn, Monarchs gather together for their long journey south. They fly thousands of miles to Mexico -- enabling them to survive the winter. The colorful autumn travelers look like a mantle of orange and gold moving across the countryside as they make their way south. Later, with the coming of spring , the Monarch Butterflies will again head north to complete their amazing migratory cycle. Looking somewhat faded, the female Monarchs search out milkweed plants so they can lay their eggs. Milkweed is the sole food source for Monarch Butterfly young. Soon after egg-laying is accomplished, the Monarch Butterflies die, leaving their young to color the countryside. Image Size: 13.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 14 x 17 in. Unframed. (B10675) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "SANDERLING"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "SANDERLING"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Sanderling" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for Balke's Shorebirds of the 50 States, cancelled December 14, 1986. Sanderlings are found dashing towards the receding waves of almost every beach in the world. Sanderlings dart to snatch tiny mollusks and shrimp in the wet sand with their short pointy bill before their prey can burrow. Then, awaiting the next wave, Sanderlings retreat and stand poised to begin feeding again. As Sanderlings slowly expand their range inland, groups of hundreds of birds can be seen on the freshwater beaches of larger lakes. Sanderlings are normally only seen wearing the gray-white brown-speckled winter plumes which blend well into the sandy background of the beach. But by winter's end, when the Sandelings begin to migrate toward their Arctic breeding grounds, they acquire a deep rust-red coat. Males begin courting with a curious snarling call. They then scrape several depressions above the receding snowline for nesting. Females select one of these hollows and line the nest with dry moss, lichen and grass. After the eggs are laid, the male Sanderling begins incubation, while the female may lay a second clutch of eggs and incubate them herself. When the eggs hatch, the parent leads the young away from the nest sometime during the first day. At the end of two weeks, the young Sanderlings fly well and are completely self-sufficient. Sanderlings flock together again in later summer and traveling hundreds of miles each night, they scatter across the beaches of the world. Image Size: 10.5 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 19.25 x 20.75 in. Unframed. (B10631) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "BRONTOSAURUS"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "BRONTOSAURUS"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Dinosaur / Brontosaurus" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 25c Brontosaurus stamp issued October 1, 1989. Though it was an herbivore, the brontosaurus numbers among the largest land animals that ever lived. It was so large, in fact, there has been some debate as to whether such an enormous beast could support its great bulk on land, or was forced to dwell almost exclusively in water. While it is most likely the creature spent a lot of time in the water to help support its tremendous weight, and also took refuge from predators by retreating into the water, scientists now believe that brontosaurus was able to get around on land with relative grace. However, it probably represents the maximum size and bulk attainable by a land animal. This huge swamp-dweller stood on four huge, elephant-like legs, and had a long neck and tail. However, its tiny head took up only about two feet of its eighty-foot length. The size, shape and features of brontosaurus' head were disputed by scientists for more than a century after the first remains were uncovered. Incomplete finds, and the possibility of a mix-up of fossils in transit from an excavation site created great uncertainty, and the head was represented in early models as snub-nosed; the teeth, spoon-like. In 1978, however, scientists rejected this representation in favor of a slender, elongated skull containing long, sharp teeth. These teeth may have looked dangerous, but they were really rather delicate and probably only suitable for eating the most tender plants. Image Size: 14.75 x 13 in. Overall Size: 23.75 x 20 in. Unframed. (B12045) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "HUMMINGBIRDS"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "HUMMINGBIRDS"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Hummingbirds" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Birds and Flowers of the Meadow and Garden Collection "Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Fire Pink" porcelain plate. No other bird has captured the imagination of mankind as completely as the hummingbird. More than 300 species of these little flying jewels have been identified; North America is fortunate enough to claim 16. In the spring, the annual rites of passage begin and the hummingbirds zip northward out of Mexico into the United States. Some will lay over at various locations for several weeks, while others will push on, driven by instincts that are eons old. Flower nectar, tiny insects and sugar water from feeders provide the energy to push onward. Bird-watchers are enraptured by the little birds, with their bright coloration, extraordinary flying antics and minute size. These three factors make the hummingbird the most unique bird in the world. Image Size: 9 x 8.25 in. Overall Size: 18 x 18 in. Unframed. (B05760) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Rufous and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Combination First Day Cover for the U.S. 29c Hummingbird stamp booklet issued June 15, 1992. No other bird has captured the imagination of mankind as completely as the hummingbird. More than 300 species of these little flying jewels have been identified; North America is fortunate enough to claim 16. In the spring, the annual rites of passage begin and the hummingbirds zip northward out of Mexico into the United States. Some will lay over at various locations for several weeks, while others will push on, driven by instincts that are eons old. Flower nectar, tiny insects and sugar water from feeders provide the energy to push onward. Bird-watchers are enraptured by the little birds, with their bright coloration, extraordinary flying antics and minute size. These three factors make the hummingbird the most unique bird in the world. Image Size: 21 x 16.5 in. Overall Size: 21 x 19 in. Unframed. (B13745) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "TYRANNOSAURUS"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "TYRANNOSAURUS"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Dinosaur/Tyrannosaurus" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 25c Tyrannosaurus stamp issued October 1, 1989. The largest flesh-eating animal that ever lived, the dinosaur tyrannosaurus was a forty-five foot long terror that preyed on its lumbering, plant-eating cousins. Tyrannosaurus stood almost twenty feet high, and had a four-foot head whose mouth was armed with six-inch long, dagger-like teeth. It had ridiculously small front legs, useless except perhaps for grabbing things at close range. Its lengthy tail served as a counterbalance to its great body. Tyrannosaurus was very muscular, especially in the mouth region, where it had massive muscles for biting and chewing. It also had powerful rear legs for support and mobility. Even in its own time, tyrannosaurus was most likely a fairly rare animal, with only one of these monsters hunting every hundred square miles. These creatures survived until late in the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era, about sixty-five million years ago, when for reasons still unknown all the dinosaurs vanished, awesome and horrifying tyrannosaurus among them. But it is easy to imagine tyrannosaurus stalking the lush vegetation of the steaming prehistoric swamp for the great plant-eating dinosaurs who moved slowly through the flora, their comically dwarfed heads working constantly to gulp down enough nourishment to keep their huge bodies going. The plant-eaters developed protection against tyrannosaurus -- some sought refuge in water, some grew suits of armor. Yet few were totally safe from the fierce tyrannosaurus, king of the violent, prehistoric swamp. Image Size: 14.5 x 13 in. Overall Size: 22.25 x 20 in. Unframed. (B11992) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "SOUTHERN FLYING
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "SOUTHERN FLYING SQUIRREL"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Southern Flying Squirrel" Signed lower middle. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for the Baby Wildlife of the 50 States, postmarked June 15, 1984. On even the darkest of nights, while the gray squirrels and chipmunks sleep soundly, the mother Southern Flying Squirrel glides through the air, leaping boldly from tree to tree carrying her tiny babies in her mouth. Unlike other squirrels, this furry creature possesses unique characteristics that allow her to glide effortlessly through the air. The Flying Squirrel and her babies become a living parachute, sailing through the trees of their woodland home ... landing precisely on target. A loose, fur-covered membrane -- called a patagium -- stretches from the wrist on its front legs to its ankle during flight and a small spur sticking out from its front legs helps stretch the skin even more, increasing the surface supporting it against the air. These airborne little animals are also equipped with natural "brakes." As they jump from a tree, they follow a long, curving trail towards the base of another tree. Just before landing, a flick of their flat tails acts as a brake, tipping their bodies so they land flat against the tree, feet touching the bark. Soft pads help absorb the shock so the young carried in the mother's mouth are unharmed by the landing. The Flying Squirrel seems to touch down as gently and gracefully as it flies -- almost like a feather. If danger is about, the threatened mother -- carrying one baby at a time -- will leap from a tree carrying her little ones to safety ... returning to the old nest one last time to be sure she has not forgotten anyone and that all are safe. Image Size: 11.25 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20 x 22.5 in. Unframed. (B08393) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "SNOWSHOE HARE"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "SNOWSHOE HARE"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Snowshoe Hare and White Oak" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This art was originally published in the limited edition collection of philatelic proofcards issued by Fleetwood and the National Audubon Society for the Wildlife of the 50 States. A shy, retiring little fellow, the Snowshoe Hare frolics in Connecticut's evergreen forests. Suddenly, crisp fallen leaves from the state tree, the White Oak, rustle softly and the Snowshoe Hare freezes. Perfectly camouflaged against the snowy background, only his dark tipped ears and glistening black eyes peek out from the winter whiteness. Quivering slightly, the white hare waits patiently for suspected danger to pass and then gleefully continues his romp. The Snowshoe Hare uses the natural hair-covered overshoes on his hind feet to glide effortlessly across deep drifts without sinking into the fluffy snow. In spring, Snowshoe Hares move into thick forests where small clearings offer both food and protection. During the warm months they also "change clothes," donning basic brown as a natural camouflage. Because these furry mammals change color with the season, many refer to them as Varying Hares. Much like fictitious rabbits and haras such as the famous Peter Rabbit, Varying Hares spend most of their days fighting for survival. Extremely tasty to most carnivores, they are hunted widely by both man and beast. As if to compensate for the understandably short life spans, the Snowshoe Hares are unusually prolific. After a gestation period of about thirty-six days, the females give birth to anywhere from two to seven bunnies. Unlike their close relatives the rabbits, hares are bigger, have longer legs, taller ears and their young are born already covered with fur and with their eyes open. Image Size: 12 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 23 in. Unframed. (B05746) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "RACCOON AND TULIP
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "RACCOON AND TULIP POPLAR"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Raccoon and Tulip Poplar" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This art was originally published in the limited edition collection of philatelic proofcards issued by Fleetwood and the National Audubon Society for the Wildlife of the 50 States. Charming masked rogues, Raccoons are native only to the Americas where, taking civilization in stride, they seem to prosper in almost any habitat. They live on the beaches of both oceans, thrive in southern bayous, and prosper in densely wooded areas where they can hide in rocky crevices and scamper among the trees. Should their homes be destroyed by the ever-advancing civilization, they merely take up residency in the cement culverts or the basements of whatever structures replace them. This adaptability sent the raccoon population soaring. Raccoons rob nests and cornbins, raid garbage pails, and move into other animals' dens. With agile fingers, they open refrigerator doors, twist doorknobs, and pick the cherries from a pie cooling on a window sill. Raccoons are famous for washing this stolen food. However, they don't actually wash the food, before eating, they merely dip it, making no distinction between clean and dirty water. This unique habit and their curious costumes of black and brown tail rings, a grizzled coat, and a black mask, identify the Raccoon. Image Size: 12.25 x 14 in. Overall Size: 19.75 x 22 in. Unframed. (B05271) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "VARIED THRUSH"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "VARIED THRUSH"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Varied Thrush and Pacific Dogwood" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for the Birds and Flowers of Canada - British Columbia, cancelled July 20, 1978. VARIED THRUSH Ixoreus naeuius Often called the Banded or Oregon Robin, the Varied Thrush closely resembles his namesake. Like the Robin in shape and basic color, the Varied Thrush does display some differences. The solid band across the Varied Thrush's russet breast and the orange lines of his wings and head. Though many birds have a restricted habitat, the Varied Thrush is comfortable throughout the Northwest, at sea level or in the mountains. The female sometimes raises two broods in one season. After they hatch, the hungry chicks are fed on a variety of bugs from the forest floor. As winter approaches, the Varied Thrush moves south to California where acorns and berries replace his insect diet. PACIFIC DOGWOOD Cornus nuttallii The native Pacific Dogwood is one of the loveliest West Coast flowering trees. This attractive ornamental tree, standing fifteen to twenty feet tall, flowers once in spring and again in early autumn. The flowers are large snowy-white blossoms with four to six petal-like bracts. Surprisingly, flowers with varying bracts are often found on the same tree. Unlike the Eastern Dogwood, the Pacific Dogwood has flower bracts that overlap, giving a rich, full appearance to the flowers. In addition to its beauty, the Pacific Dogwood has heavy, close-grained wood used in making tool handles, cabinets, and other items. Confederate troops used the Pacific Dogwood's bark as a substitute when a Civil War blockade prevented transport of the painkiller. Image Size: 13.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 14 x 17 in. Unframed. (B05203) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "ROYAL WULFF"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "ROYAL WULFF"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Fishing Flies - Royal Wulff" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 29c Royal Wulff stamp issued May 31, 1991. The ice has retreated from the high-mountain lake, and the resident Brook Trout have awakened from winter hungry. Cruising the shallows, a "Brookie" looks up to see a large mayfly resting on the surface. Unable to resist, it strikes at the brightly-colored fly, feels the sting of a hook and a dramatic struggle begins. Many a trout has been deceived by the Royal Wulff since it was created in the 1930s by legendary angler, author and fly-tier Lee Wulff. This dry fly pattern is a variation on the classic Royal Coachman, which has been effective since it was originated in the 1800s. But Wulff's addition of a naturally buoyant tail, easy-to-see white wings and bushy collar of hackle feather have made this a classic in its own right. Lee Wulff wanted the basic appeal of the original fly, but with more durability and higher flotation. So he replaced the original feather tail with tough, buoyant brown calf tail hairs, added lots of dark brown hackle and used wings of durable white calf's tail. Those changes, along with the original sparkling body of peacock tail and bright red floss resulted in a universally accepted and effective dry fly. Although it looks nothing like any natural insect, trout seem to find the Royal Wulff irresistible. Its creator has made many contributions to flyfishing -- including the original many-pocketed fishing vest -- but his place in angling history is assured, thanks to his buoyant, durable dry flies. Image Size: 11.25 x 19.5 in. Overall Size: 16.25 x 19.5 in. Unframed. (B12946) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "WOOLLY MAMMOTH"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "WOOLLY MAMMOTH"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Woolly Mammoth Walking in Snow Storm" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 32c Woolly Mammoth stamp issued June 8, 1996. Ancestor of the present-day elephant, the mammoth originally inhabited the temperate climate of the northern hemisphere during the glacial period. Eventually it journeyed further north where it survived until the Neolithic Period. It is believed that these huge prehistoric beasts prospered during post-glacial times when northern Asia was covered with pine forests, supplying the mammoth with an abundance of vegetation. Due to slow climatic changes, these forests disappeared and may be one of the reasons for the mammoth's extinction. Mammoth fossils are quite common throughout northern Europe, North America and Asia. The ivory of this magnificent beast was so abundant that during the Middle Ages it was exported from Siberia to China and Europe. In 1799, the first intact mammoth carcass was discovered. Frozen into icy cliffs along the Arctic coast of Siberia, this find enabled paleontologists to successfully reconstruct the mammoth's form and features. In 1801, another discovery was made in Siberia in which a complete skeleton -- including entire mammoth tusks still in their sockets -- had been preserved in the ice. This specimen exhibited thick skin covered with dark, dense woolly fur, and tusks that measured over nine feet in length. Mammoth tusks are distinct from present-day elephant tusks in that they display a vast outward and upward sweep. The largest mammoth tusks on record were found in Alaska and measure nearly 13 feet long. Image Size: 18 x 18.5 in. Overall Size: 18 x 20 in. Unframed. (B15127) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "MOOSE"Don Balke
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "MOOSE"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Moose" Signed lower left. Watercolor on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 13c Moose stamp issued June 10, 1978. Although drawings of the Moose were found in the cave drawings of the early Stone Age, the earliest known verbal description appears in Caesar's "Gallic War." Caesar reports that the Moose was hornless and that his legs had neither ankles nor joints. Therefore, they could not lay down. And once they fell, they could never get up again. To sleep, wrote Caesar, they simply leaned against a tree. Teutonic hunters would chip notches into these trees so that when the tired Moose tried to rest, both he and the tree would fall, thus becoming easy prey for the hunters. Whether this story is myth or not, nobody is sure. However, the tale is true to the extent that Moose do straddle long trunks, breaking them to obtain twigs, buds, and leaves from the soft parts of the tree. Later, the famous Roman naturalist, Plinius, stated that the Moose "had to graze backward because of his enlarged upper lip." This too, of course, is wrong. The Moose's upper lip is large, but this is an advantage, not a hindrance, for it allows him to strip leaves off branches. The short neck of the Moose makes it difficult for him to eat off the ground, but easy for him to feed from bushes or trees, where his favorite food is found. The Moose is best-known for its antlers -- among the most impressive in the entire animal kingdom -- which make him a prime game animal. Contrary to what many believe, Moose are not fierce animals, but are, in fact, quite shy. Image Size: 13.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 23.25 in. Framed behind plexiglass. (B05052) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) FISHING FLIES -
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) FISHING FLIES - MUDDLER MINNOWDon Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Fishing Flies - Muddler Minnow" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 29c Muddler Minnow stamp issued May 31, 1991. The flyfisher's cast snakes out across the stream, landing lightly on the water, with a Muddler Minnow clinched tightly to the nearly-invisible monofilament leader. As the swiftmoving mountain water catches line and fly, the Muddler is propelled along with the current, twitching through eddies and "swimming" seductively around underwater rocks. With its undulating deerhair and realistic shape, it proves to be more than a hungry Brown Trout can resist ... and the "Brownie" pounces on what it takes to be a minnow, only to find itself fast to the angler's rod and reel. As anyone who has ever used it knows, the Muddler Minnow is a superbly effective, versatile and durable "streamer" -- the flyfishing term for a baitfish imitation. Developed by noted fisherman Don Gapen, it has come to be a universally-accepted method of mimicking any of the many squat, brown bottom-dwelling minnows. Gapen's original design has been widely adapted and modified, but the original Muddler is tied on a long-shank hook of heavy wire, with a small portion of wild turkey tail feather tied in as a tail, and a length of gold tinsel wrapped around the length of the hook. Over this are tied a small clump of fox squirrel tail fur and a "wing" of turkey tail. Finally, a clump of deer hair is added and clipped into the bullet shape of a minnow's head. The flash of gold, the realistic movement of the materials, the somber color and the natural shape combine to make the Muddler Minnow a classic trout-taker. Image Size: 14 x 18 in. Overall Size: 16.25 x 19.5 in. Unframed. (B12986) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "TUNDRA MUSKOX"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "TUNDRA MUSKOX"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Tundra Muskox" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 37c Tunda Muskox Arctic Animals stamp issue of July 2, 2003. Called omingmak -- meaning "the animal with skin like a beard" -- by Inupiaq-speaking Eskimos, the muskox Ovibos moschatus has changed little since the last ice age. Mature bulls average five feet high at the shoulder and weigh up to 800 pounds. During the rut (the annual period of sexual excitement in the males), battles between bull muskoxen become battering contests which are as spectacular as they are violent. After a mutual display of aggression, two bulls charge at top speed directly towards one another from distances of 50 yards or more, colliding squarely on their horns. Incredibly, the sound created by this tremendous impact may be heard from up to a mile away. Following a clash, the competitors back up, swinging their heads from side to side, and then repeat the sequence until one bull runs away. A battle may consist of 20 clashes -- each with a force equivalent to that of an automobile slamming into a concrete wall at 17 miles per hour. Luckily for them, bull muskoxen boast heavily armored skulls to protect them from the intense shock of impact; four in of horn and another three in of solid bone lie directly between the animal's brain and the area of contact. After muskoxen disappeared from Alaska in the 1800s, a transplant population of some thirty specimens was brought from East Greenland to Alaska's Nunivak Island in the 1930s. Today, thanks to conservation efforts, close to 3,000 muskoxen roam free in Alaska. Image Size: 7 x 6 in. Overall Size: 14 x 13 in. Unframed. (B17099) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "WINTER WREN"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "WINTER WREN"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Winter Wren" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. Rain Forest 33c Winter Wren stamp issued March 29, 2000. The melodious song of the Winter Wren defies its plain appearance. A small, roundish bird with a short, stubby tail, this secretive bird is easily identified by its delightful chimp-chimp call and rapid series of high trills. The Winter Wren displays brown plumage, with darker shades along the flanks and a lighter buff on its breast and underparts. Its eyebrow stripe is short and narrow, and its wings feature distinctive barring. A denizen of coniferous forests, this tiny bird is found among dense undergrowth, wooded hedges, and boreal swamps and bogs. Although the Winter Wren favors spruce and fir forests, it is a ground-feeding bird and is occasionally found in cultivated areas. In constant motion, this sprightly bird probes among rocks and undergrowth for spiders, ants, beetles and slugs. The Winter Wren may build its nest in a tangled, upturned tree root, underneath a stump, in a brush heap or in a rocky crevice. Unlike other wren species, the Winter Wren does not nest in an enclosed cavity such as a woodpecker hole. The male builds several nests of twigs, grass and moss, leaving it up to the female to decide which one is best. The young are fed by both parents and leave the nest about 19 days after hatching. Sometimes another female settles into one of the decoy nests. If there is sufficient food, the male becomes polygamous, taking a second mate. Image Size: 7 x 6 in. Overall Size: 12 x 11 in. Unframed. (B16721) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "OWL AND GROSBEAK"
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "OWL AND GROSBEAK" W/CDon Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Owl and Grosbeak" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 25c Owl and 25c Grosbeak Booklet Pair issue of May 28, 1988. Deep in America's forests, and high in her treetops, there is a world of wildlife -- birds with splendid songs, rich coloring and fascinating habits. They add greatly to America's riches and bring light to her natural beauty. Precious among them are the saw-whet owl and the rose-breasted grosbeak. The saw-whet owl is a tiny bird with nocturnal ways, with a call that sounds like a saw, and a mellow whistle to use at mating time. The rose-breasted grosbeak is a finch whose song brings joy to the heart. With a streak of rosy color to match his happy melody, this lovely bird is seen in the spring as he helps his mate build a nest. Image Size: 13 x 10.75 in. Overall Size: 22 x 19.75 in. Unframed. (B11653) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "MOCKINGBIRD"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "MOCKINGBIRD"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Mockingbird and Iris" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Commemorative cover for "Balke's Birds and Flowers" series, cover cancelled June 1, 1985. Intensely territorial, the Mockingbird stands ready to attack any creature that invades its domain, especially fellow Mockingbirds. "Dogfights" involving six or more Mockingbirds bombing on each other are not uncommon. It is thought by some scientists that the Mockingbird's song may have survival value. This bird's continuous imitation of other sounds may be designed to better express individual differences. There is considerable evidence that song is not merely an announcement of the species, but also an individual bird's identity tag. The Mockingbird's so-called courtship dance, which involves flashing of the wings, is not that at all, but rather vying for position in fierce territorial fights. There are more than two hundred species of Irises that grow wild, and thousands of hybrids, but all have two common characteristics: sword-shaped leaves and a distinctive flower structure consisting of three usually erect petals, called standards, and three outer petals, or sepals, that hang down from the base of the blossom. The arrangement of these parts is peculiar and their duties unusual. A bee, instead of settling on the petals that arch upward from the flower's center, uses the broad sepals as a landing field. The sepals curve downward and have honey-guide markings and sometimes golden "beards." Irises come in a stunning range of colors -- hence the name Iris, after the Greek, goddess of the rainbow. Image Size: 11.25 x 12.75 in. Overall Size: 19.25 x 21 in. Unframed. (B09549) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "HERRING GULL"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "HERRING GULL"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Herring Gull" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. The Herring Gull, the best known of the seagulls, has had a remarkable history of survival. From antiquity, the Indians on the Maine coast had robbed the gulls of their eggs and young, but it was not until their white successors invaded the coast that egging began to exhaust the colonies. This was already evident in Audubon's day. He reported that at White Head Island in the Bay of Fundy he was surprised to see gulls nesting in fir trees. He was told by his host, Mr. Frankland, that they used to build their nests on the open ground, but as people kept collecting the eggs for winter use, the old ones began to put their nests in the trees. By 1900, because of additional pressure from the millinery trade, only about 9,000 pairs were left on the Maine coast. The Maine legislature and the National Audubon Society then initiated protection. The recovery, slow at first, accelerated after 1920. Winter survival was subsidized by the garbage dumps of growing cities. The exploding numbers of these opportunistic egg-eaters depressed the populations of terns and laughing gulls and new colonies extended inexorably down the coast. Even though the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, beginning in 1934, sterilized eggs to the number of a million or more, the Herring Gull now breeds as far south as Virginia and North Carolina, way beyond its former breeding range. Image Size: 13.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 14 x 17 in. Unframed. (B10588) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "HAWAIIAN GOOSE
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "HAWAIIAN GOOSE / HIBISCUS"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Hawaiian Goose and Hibiscus" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This is the original painting which was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for Balke's Birds and Flowers of the 50 States, cancelled August 21, 1985. High on the mountain slopes of Hawaii, one may hear the thin uck-uck calls of the Hawaiian Goose, the world's rarest goose. Its rarity is due to its curiosity and gentle nature that make it all too easy to kill. Lacking plumes, they were not highly regarded by the Polynesians, for they could contribute nothing to the feather cloaks of the chieftains. Villagers and explorers hunted them for food. This species, also called Nene, dwindled until by the 1940s probably fewer than a dozen wild Nene remained. But state authorities joined forces with a local rancher to breed a successful and substantial flock, thus preserving the species. The beautiful wild Nene or Hawaiian Goose dwells only on the islands of Hawaii and Maui. The Hibiscus is Hawaii's most outstanding flower. More than thirty-three varieties have been brought from other countries, and by crossing these with one another and with three native species, more than five thousand horticultural varieties have now been produced. One such native variety, known as the Hawaiian flag, has red petals striped with white. In Hawaii, bouquets are sometimes made by mounting the flowers on midribs of coconut leaflets and on strips of bamboo, or by grouping them in flat decorations on tables. They do not need to be placed in water to last. Hibiscus buds are often picked in the early morning, put in an ice box, and brought out to open in the evening for a special celebration. Image Size: 11.25 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 19.25 x 21 in. Unframed. (B09676) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "GREEN-WINGED TEAL"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "GREEN-WINGED TEAL"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Green-winged Teal" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for the Waterbirds of the 50 States Vermont/Green-winged Teal. Bottoms up, feeting kicking to maintain balance, the Green-winged Teal search the pond for seeds of pondweed and sedge. The slightest disturbance immediately ends the hunt and the birds -- the smallest of America's puddle ducks -- take to the air. Their flight is unusual, for the birds leap straight up into the air. Then, in a tightly-formed flock, the ducks level off. Like tiny pond fish who have sprouted wings, the Teal twist, turn and dive in unison. Observers -- campers, ornithologists and all others who venture into the countryside -- marvel at the incredible precision of the Green-winged Teals's flight. Many of these interesting waterbirds spend the winter south ... enjoying the warmth of Mexico and the West Indies. But, at the first hint of spring, the Green-winged Teal are drawn north to their nesting grounds in Canada. It is while in route to and from these nesting grounds on the Canadian plains that the Green-winged Teal are often spied in Vermont. The Teal are readily identifiable by the beautiful band of green plumage on their wings and by the male's bright green head patch. Indeed, whether viewed while on the wing, flying high above in a tightly-formed flock ... or spied while searching for food on one of Vermont's country ponds ... the Green-winged Teal is an attractive and welcome visitor to the Green Mountain State of Vermont. Image Size: 10 x 12 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 19.25 in. Unframed. (B07767) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "GRAY SQUIRREL"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "GRAY SQUIRREL"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Gray Squirrel" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for Balke's Baby Wildlife of the 50 States, postmarked November 21, 1984. Deep in the forests of North Carolina, under the dark, cool shadows of the trees, live the charming Gray Squirrels. Also called "silvertails," these amazing little creatures have warmed the hearts of men as they clamor up and down trees in search of tasty nuts and berries. Then, they absent-mindedly bury their treats, not ever remembering where. But many a carefully buried -- then forgotten -- acorn has grown into a lovely tree for the enjoyment of descendents of a long-gone Squirrel. But, these little Squirrels will do a great deal more to insure the survival of their young, for they will take on even the deadly snake and sometimes sacrifice their own lives to protect their young. At birth, the baby Squirrels are helpless. They weigh only half an ounce and have no hair on their bodies. Dedicated mothers keep them warm with their own body heat. As soft fur grows, the babies remain both blind and deaf. It takes over a month for eyes to open and the ears do not mature much sooner! By two months, the babes are about half the size of their parents and they look like Gray Squirrel miniatures with their long, bushy tails. The tail quickly becomes a life-saver and is used in many ways by these cute babies. As they leap from tree to tree, it acts as a rudder, guiding them to safety. If they should fall, it becomes a cushion for a soft landing. When it rains, this furry appendage acts as an umbrella and, in the hot sun, it becomes a shade tree. Image Size: 11 x 12.75 in. Overall Size: 20 x 21.75 in. Unframed. (B99068) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "GOLDEN-BACKED WEAVER"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "GOLDEN-BACKED WEAVER"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Golden-backed Weaver" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the International Audubon Fund Uganda Golden-backed Weaver stamp issued November 2, 1987. The gregarious Golden-backed Weaver can be found seraching for seeds only in eastern Africa: Tanzania to Sudan. Thickset and stout-billed, it is distinguished by its bright plumage and elaborate nests -- tough, intricate, highly durable structures suspended from trees, with the entrance at the bottom. The nests often hang from the tips of twigs or palm fronds, and are most frequently found near water. A treetop colony of Golden-backed Weavers can be filled with these nests, all slung close together to form a menage somewhat resembling a suburban development tract. Since Golden-backed Weavers tend to be noisy, the constant hubbub from a nesting colony can almost make it sound like a suburb, too! In any case, the sociability of the Golden-backed Weaver makes it hard to miss. Uganda sits at the heart of its range, and the Golden-backed Weaver is an outspoken part of this nation's bird life. Image Size: 17.25 x 15.5 in. Overall Size: 19.75 x 17.75 in. Unframed. (B12049) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "FOX SQUIRREL"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "FOX SQUIRREL"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Fox Squirrel and Live Oak" Signed lower center. Original Watercolor on Paper laid on Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This art was originally published in the limited edition collection of philatelic proofcards issued by Fleetwood and the National Audubon Society for the Wildlife of the 50 States. Scrambling, twisting and finally falling on all fours, the Fox Squirrel cavorts in the massive branches of Georgia's strong state tree, the Live Oak. As the largest North American squirrel, this black ball of fur is clumsy. However, as if to atone for his awkwardness, the Fox Squirrel is friendly and much more charming than his graceful relatives. These friendly fellows entertain people by playing with pine cones and paper balls, turning somersaults in grassy meadows, holding climbing drills on tree branches and chasing each other through Georgia's magnificent oak groves. These humorous activities are accompanied by loud scoldings, noisy whistling and the rapid chatter through which Fox Squirrels communicate with each other. Like their smaller relatives, the Georgia squirrels instinctively twitch their bushy tails. Noting this nervous habit as a characteristic of the squirrel species, the Greeks named these friendly rodents squirrel, which means shadow tail. During the midwinter mating season the twitching tail is especially evident as the males busily preen and fluff. When finished, they curl their bushy, well-groomed tails over their smooth backs and begin to court the female Fox Squirrels. About forty-five days later, two to four young are born, each weighing only two-thirds of an ounce. In just ten weeks, the once tiny babies crack their own nuts, scold their friends and, like their parents, sleep away much of the lazy morning until the afternoon sun warms their sleek, black coats. Image Size: 12 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 23 in. Unframed. (B05762) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "EMERALD HUMMINGBIRD"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "EMERALD HUMMINGBIRD"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Bahamas/Cuban Emerald Hummingbird" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood International Audubon Fund First Day Cover issued March 29, 1989. Along the 1,500-mile archipelago of the West Indies flies a large, iridescent green hummingbird appropriately named the Cuban emerald. Averaging 4-1/2 in in length, the male is clothed almost completely in green, with deeply forked tail feathers of charcoal grey and white undertail coverts. The female's plumage fades to grey below. Like all hummingbirds, the Cuban emerald depends almost entirely upon its wings for locomotion, its legs being so underdeveloped that the bird can scarcely sidle along a perch, let alone walk. But the hummingbird's muscular wings - accounting for 25 to 30 percent of its weight - are uniquely designed for swift get-aways, propelling them at a moment's notice from a hovering standstill to fast forward or reverse. Image Size: 15.5 x 18.5 in. Overall Size: 20.5 x 18.5 in. Unframed. (B12318) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) EASTERN BLUEBIRD
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) EASTERN BLUEBIRD AND TRILLIUMDon Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Eastern Bluebird and Trillium" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for the Birds and Flowers of Canada - Ontario, cancelled June 30, 1978. EASTERN BLUEBIRD Sialia sialis The sweet liquid warble of this early spring migrant was music that Henry Thoreau looked forward to with eagerness. While the bright blue of the male pleased his eyes, even more pleasing to him was the bird's song in flight. When the Eastern Bluebird's song finally reached his ears, spring seemed at last to have arrived. Often deceived by prematurely mild weather, many Bluebirds return north too soon, and are killed by sleet and ice storms. For this and other reasons, the Bluebird is now rare in vast portions of the east. Fortunately, many concerned individuals help shelter the early-returning Bluebirds by building nest boxes. TRILLIUM Trillium grandiflorum Trilliums are easily recognized because their wax-white flowers are in sets of three. The common name of Wakerobin, though often used for the whole genus, is more often applied to the earliest-flowering species. The leaves, also in threes, are in whorls, each leaf deeply veined, broad and pointed, some with stems, others clasping the main stem. All members of this species grow best in moist woodland soil, but they will also grow in semi-shaded gardens and rockeries. Collecting Trilliums from all woodland regions can be a rewarding pastime, as many variants exist and all, with reasonable care, seem to thrive well beyond their original areas. Image Size: 13.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 14 x 17.5 in. Unframed. (B05173) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.
• DON BALKE (B. 1933) "WOOD DUCK PAIR"Don
  DON BALKE (B. 1933) "WOOD DUCK PAIR"Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Wood Duck Pair" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Combination Cover for the U.S. 29c Wood Duck issued April 12, 1991. From flooded swamps along the mighty Mississippi, to sheltered crystal-clear Maine lakes, to fir-scented forests in Oregon and Washington, the Wood Duck is America's singularly spectacular waterfowl. No other species can compare to the iridescent drake and the subtle, gentle beauty of the hen. Its common name does little justice to the Wood Duck, but the scientific name is much more descriptive: Aix sp?nsa, "waterfowl in wedding clothes." Today, the exquisite Wood Duck is relatively common among the waterfowl. But it wasn't always so. Nearly a century ago, the Wood Duck suffered greatly as flooded timberlands and swamps were drained to make room for man's expansive ideals. The Wood Duck, among the few species of waterfowl which depends greatly upon trees, teetered precariously on the very brink of extinction. The duck nests in hollow trees close to water, thus it was doubly impacted by an aggressive logging program in some states. But man reacted to his earlier ignorance, placing the bird under the protection of a 1918 law and enacting an aggressive conservation campaign. In the following decades, many nesting boxes were constructed and placed in strategic Wood Duck habitat, a man-made answer to the hollow tree. Wood Ducks found the boxes to their liking and the population rebounded rapidly to the current healthy levels. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 21 x 19 in. Unframed. (B12951) Condition: - By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions. - Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview. - All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted. - All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances. - All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings. - Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. - Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com - We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly. - Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live. - Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.