This September, Bloomfield, New Jersey, will become the epicenter of American history and fine art when Nye & Company Auctioneers hosts a two-day auction showcasing treasures from some of Rhode Island’s most prominent families. Collectors, historians, and art enthusiasts alike will have the opportunity to experience—and potentially own—rare artifacts that connect directly to the early chapters of New England’s maritime and mercantile past.
📍 Location: Nye & Company Gallery, 20 Beach Street, Bloomfield, NJ
📅 Dates: Wednesday & Thursday, September 10–11, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 a.m. EDT both days
🔗 Explore more art and cultural events across New Jersey here. Explore New Jersey Art & Culture
A Rare Glimpse Into New England’s Past
The upcoming sale features items descended through the DeWolf, Herreshoff, and Brown families, each with remarkable ties to American history. From finely carved 18th-century furniture to maritime keepsakes and decorative arts, this event offers not just an auction, but an intimate look at the material culture that shaped early commerce, innovation, and family legacy in the Northeast.
Highlights of the Collections
- The Brown Family Collection
Objects tied to John Brown (1736–1803), a central figure in early American trade, and Nicholas Brown, will take center stage. These include 18th-century carved furniture and fine decorative arts that reflect both the craftsmanship and economic influence of one of Rhode Island’s most significant dynasties. - The Herreshoff Family Legacy
Known for innovation in maritime design, the Herreshoff family left behind a remarkable legacy. The auction includes maritime ephemera from Karl Friedrich Herreshoff, representing the family’s deep connection to shipbuilding and seafaring history. - The DeWolf Family Heirlooms
Descendants of one of Rhode Island’s influential mercantile families, the DeWolf collection offers a variety of artifacts passed down over generations, giving bidders a rare chance to acquire pieces tied to a family that played a role in shaping regional commerce. - Beyond the Family Estates
In addition to the Rhode Island treasures, Nye & Company will feature its signature “Chic and Antique Estate Treasures” sale. This segment includes fine art, period furniture, Chinese export porcelain, and other estate finds, providing collectors with a broad array of opportunities across genres and styles.
Auction Preview & Participation
Nye & Company welcomes bidders to preview the auction items in person at their Bloomfield gallery:
- Preview Dates: September 2–5 and September 8–10, 2025
- Preview Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily
The full auction catalog will also be available online, giving prospective buyers a chance to browse and research items before the event.
For those unable to attend in person, Nye & Company will offer online bidding, allowing national and international collectors to participate in real time.
Why This Auction Matters
While every Nye & Company auction draws interest from across the country, this particular event stands out for its historical significance. The convergence of artifacts from families like the Browns, Herreshoffs, and DeWolfs provides a tangible link to America’s early economic and maritime foundations. Each object carries with it a story—whether tied to transatlantic trade, naval innovation, or family tradition—that speaks to the broader history of New England and the United States.
Collectors seeking investment-grade antiques, museums looking to expand their holdings, and individuals with a passion for early American history will all find something of note at this event.
Visit Bloomfield & Explore More of New Jersey’s Cultural Scene
Attending the auction also provides a great reason to spend time in Bloomfield, NJ, a vibrant town just outside New York City with rich history, dining, and cultural offerings. Visitors can pair the auction experience with a broader exploration of New Jersey’s thriving art and culture scene.
For more on galleries, cultural events, and historic destinations across the state, check out Explore New Jersey’s Art & Culture Guide.
Event Recap
- What: Nye & Company Two-Day Auction featuring Rhode Island family collections
- When: September 10–11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. EDT
- Where: Nye & Company Gallery, 20 Beach Street, Bloomfield, NJ
- Previews: September 2–5 & 8–10, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Highlights: Brown, Herreshoff, and DeWolf family artifacts, fine and decorative arts, maritime history, Chinese porcelain, estate treasures
This September, history will quite literally go under the hammer in Bloomfield. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a scholar of early American history, or simply curious about antiques with remarkable backstories, the Nye & Company auction offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with the past—and maybe even bring a piece of it home.
👉 Discover more upcoming cultural events across the Garden State at Explore New Jersey Art & Culture.
