Washington D.C. History: Past & Present on Potomack Company's Auction Block

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington D.C. history from past to present is featured at The Potomack Company's September 24th and 25th Catalogue Sale with auction items reflecting life in the nation's capital from the original U.S. Capitol to President Barack Obama's official guest quarters, Blair House.

ARCHITECTURAL RELICS FROM THE ORIGINAL U.S. CAPITOL

Architectural relics from the Capitol building are being sold by descendants of Capitol architect Benjamin Latrobe, including remnants of the building constructed from 1793 to 1828 based on the original design by Latrobe and Aquia Creek Corinthian column capital fragments from the building's original columns of 1828. Details carved into the stones such as acanthus leaves and various paint layers applied while the columns were situated at the Capitol are visible.

Two Aquia sandstone blocks from the 1828 Capitol's East Wing Portico steps bearing the numbers and letters "S41" and "AS35" would have witnessed the inaugurations of most American presidents from Andrew Jackson to Franklin Pierce.  Other remnants from the Capitol are two bookend-size marble step pieces from the original grand stairway of the Capitol's Senate Wing.  

BLAIR HOUSE, THE PRESIDENT'S GUEST QUARTERS

Designer soft furnishings from Washington, D.C.'s Blair House, the President's official Guest House, are being sold as part of a continuing refurbishment.  Draperies and bed hangings designed by internationally renowned interior decorators Mario Buatta and Mark Hampton are offered with proceeds to benefit the Blair House Restoration Fund, a non-partisan nonprofit group that supports enhancement and preservation of the decor, gardens and fine arts collection of Blair House. Items include Brunschwig & Fils "Grand Genois Peanneau" fabric, a coordinating custom Stark rug, a Lee Jofa "Trentham Hall" chintz bedroom bed and drapery suite and Brunschwig & Fils designer fabric hangings.

The "Ludlow Print" fabric bedroom features a valance with wooden bells painted by the late noted muralist Robert Jackson.

HISTORIC WASHINGTONIANA

U.S. Ambassador to France Pamela Harriman is another notable Washingtonian represented in Potomack's sale with a 19th century oil painting, View of Mount Vernon, from her estate.   Also of note is a Progressive party battle flag from Teddy Roosevelt's 1912 presidential campaign being sold by the Anna Safley Houston Museum of Decorative Arts along with antique photographs of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln and a carte-de-visite of Andrew Jackson.

For further information call 703-684-4550 or visit www.potomackcompany.com.

CONTACT: Lucie Holland (703) 684-4550

SOURCE The Potomack Company

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