Description:

Michael Anthony Ricker (American, 1940 to 2006). North American Wildlife pewter chess set, 1994. Number 112 of 138. Signed with date on versos of kings and queens. A stunning and quite rare pewter chess set featuring chess pieces in the form of North American wildlife complete with a forest green and gold colored chessboard by American artist Michael Ricker. Expertly crafted with pewter patina and gilt finish, the set features owls serving as pawns, eagles as rooks, mountain lions as knights, bears as bishops, and, of course, the noble elk serving as king and queen. Michael Ricker was an accomplished Colorado based artist with a focus on sculpture. Ricker began creating collectible pewter sculptures in 1968. Size of largest (king): 3.4" L x 2.25" W x 5.6" H (8.6 cm x 5.7 cm x 14.2 cm); of board: 19.75" L x 19.75" W x 1.25" H (50.2 cm x 50.2 cm x 3.2 cm)

Michael Ricker learned the art of molding and casting pewter from his father-in-law. Ricker's process involves use of Old English Pewter ingots which are melted down to cast limited edition sculptures and other works of art. By 1991, construction of a new museum, gallery and casting studio had been completed which further enhanced the collectability of his limited-edition sculptural works of art. The most famous Michael Ricker sculpture is a large-scale model of a 19th century town titled "Park City: America Remembered," done in pewter for President Gerald Ford in 1986. "Park City" is a 30 x 10-foot piece that is located, along with many figural Michael Ricker artworks, at one of several Ricker galleries. Ricker passed away in 2006, and his brother and sister created the company known as Designs By Ricker where they continue to carry on production of his fabulous work.

Provenance: private Alpine, Utah, USA collection, acquired

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#185160

  • Condition: Complete chess set with board. Signed with date on versos of kings and queens. Two areas of chipping to board with some nicks to peripheries and peeling / loosening to protective felt on underside of board. Otherwise, pieces are all intact with nice detail.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

8. IN-HOUSE SHIPPING: All buyers will receive an invoice detailing their purchases, sales tax (if applicable), buyer's premium, and shipping/insurance charges. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. We are currently experiencing shipping delays due to staff shortages, please allow up to 15 days for shipping after payment is received. If you prefer to work with a third-party shipper, we can assist with recommendations.

**Please note, we are currently unable to ship to Australia, Germany and Switzerland due to customs clearance issues. If you are in one of these countries, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase.*

**For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country; this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. Also, please be aware that Artemis Gallery will NOT falsify customs value on any international shipments - what you pay is what we declare, no exceptions. There are a small number of international countries we cannot ship to. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding**

May 24, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000