Ind. history group to auction Audubon collections

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An Indiana group devoted to telling the state's story will auction works by John James Audubon next spring to raise money to acquire and store items more relevant to its mission.

The Indiana Historical Society paid $4,000 for "The Birds of America" in 1933 and $900 for "Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America" in 1951. The two sets together are expected to fetch at least $3.3 million at the Sotheby's auction in April.

"That's a pretty good rate of return," society President and CEO John Herbst said Wednesday.

Audubon established himself as the United States' dominant wildlife artist before his death in 1851. His "Birds of America" series was sold by subscription from 1827 to 1838 and featured 435 hand-painted plates depicting America's native birds. His "Viviparous Quadrupeds" was published between 1845 and 1854 and includes 150 color lithographic plates....