Description:

Oscar Berninghaus
American, 1874-1952
Drafting the Constitution, 1932
Watercolor and pencil with gouache on artist board
A 1932 Veiled Prophet Parade float design showing four American historical figures including George Washington, with an oversized edition the Constitution of the United States and an oversized feather pen in inkwell as they sign the historical document, unframed. Period pencil markings counting the figures on the float and matting with ink stamp of the year "1932" and other markings.

Artist has been identified from the purchase receipt of Selkirk Auctioneers December 15, 1995.

  • Provenance: Robert Donnelly, St. Louis, MO, purchased from Selkirk's, 1995
    Robert Donnelly Jr., St. Louis, MO, by descent
  • Dimensions: 20 x 28 in. (50.8 x 71.1 cm.)
  • Medium: Watercolor and pencil with gouache on artist board
  • Condition: There is matting still partially attached to the artist board.

    Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is an opinion, and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Reference to condition written, oral or within a condition report shall not be regarded as a full account of condition and may not include all defects, alterations, or restorations. Absence of a condition report does not imply a lot is flawless or lacking imperfections or damage. Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Returns shall not be accepted on the basis of condition. 

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is the full responsibility of the buyer. Selkirk will not be responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or otherwise responsible for any items left in Selkirk's possession fifteen (15) days after the sale. If arrangements for shipping have not been made and communicated within thirty (30) days, Selkirk reserves the right, at this time, to charge a storage fee of $10 per lot per day for furniture and large format items and $5 per lot per day for all other items, and within sixty (60) days, at its own discretion, sell any items left on the premises. Accumulated fees resulting from storage and insurance cost will be taken out of any proceeds.

Objects that contain materials of endangered or protected species may be subject to regulations disallowing export and import into other states or countries. It is the buyer's responsibility to be aware of all applicable laws and regulations and to obtain any required export or import licenses or certificates and any other required documentation.

December 14, 2023 10:00 AM CST
St. Louis, MO, US

Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $1,000,000:
30.00%
$1,000,001 - $2,000,000:
25.00%
$2,000,001+:
20.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $29 $5
$30 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $299,999 $10,000
$300,000 $499,999 $25,000
$500,000 + $50,000