Samuel Yellin

Acquired directly from the artist, late 1920s
Thence by descent

Richard Wattenmaker, Samuel Yellin In Context, exh. cat., Flint Insitute of Art, Flint, MI, 1985, p. 33 (for a related example)
Jack Andrews, Samuel Yellin:  Metalworker, Ocean City, MD, 1992, p. 47 (for a related example)

Overall in very good original condition. This gate with oxidation, wear and considerable surface dirt from exposure to the elements. It appears all elements of the gate remain intact. The gate consists of two elements and with hinges to the outer panels. A superb example of Yellin’s design, which has remained in the original purchasing family since the 1920s. These gates were originally acquired by a private family in the late 1920s and installed in a house located in Wynnefield Heights, Philadelphia. The original location of the gates in the house was between the center hall and the living room, adjacent to the stair way. The gates were never installed outside. A painting executed by the brother of the consignor, signed and dated 1937, shows the facing right side of the gates in situ in the family’s home. (Please feel welcome to contact the 20th Century Design Department for digital images of this painting.) The gates were de-installed from the house in 1987, and thereafter were kept in a closed garage (which perhaps accounts for the surface corrosion along the bottom register). Clare Yellin (granddaughter of Samuel Yellin and director of Samuel Yellin Metalworkers) recently examined the gates in person. She authenticated the gates, and stylistically dated them to circa 1912-1915.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present lot is believed to have been forged between 1912 and 1915 and remained in the studio of the artist until purchased and installed in a private Philadelphia residence in the late 1920s.  A related gate is in the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Sotheby's wishes to thank the individuals at the Samuel Yellin Iron Works for their assistance in authenticating this lot.