DALLAS, TX.- Fine silver from the late 17th into the 21st centuries from the some of the worlds greatest silversmiths will be presented in
Heritage Auctions Fine Silver & Objects of Vertu Auction Oct. 15 in Dallas, Texas.
The auction includes silver from the Houston estate of Colletta Ray McMillian, whose range of interest spanned periods and styles, and includes strong designs from some of the best workshops of the 19th and 20th centuries, said Heritage Auctions Silver & Objects of Vertu Director Karen Rigdon. Mrs. McMillian collected with a discerning eye, finding fine examples by English silversmiths like Robert Hennell II to American work by Tiffany & Companys John Moore and iconic creations by the Danish workshop of Georg Jensen.
Three extraordinary menorah from Yossi Sweds Jerusalem workshop include the whimsical Partial Gilt Silver Ship-Form Menorah with Display Case, 20th century (estimate: $25,000-35,000) with elaborate mechanical workings that turn the ship into a centerpiece for the Hanukkah celebration. A turning ships wheel glides cannons from the starboard side to become candle holders, the bow opens to reveal storage of fish-form lamp inserts, and a compartment at the stern opens to reveal a boat below the slot to receive dropped coins. An anchor is formed as a Dreidel, and the whole is presented in a glazed brass special order fitted vitrine. The collection also includes A Yossi Swed Partial Gilt Silver Menorah, 20th century (estimate: $10,000-15,000) is an altar form with eight lamps that tilt by turning the right oiler, which is seated on a candleholder. Side wings in the base house a Dreidel and wick storage, a back door hides lamp tools and a center tray can be removed for cleaning. The front features a Hebrew inscription that reads, These candles are sanctified, and we do not have permission to make ordinary use of them.
Headlining the auctions 34 lots of Georg Jensen are two pairs of Georg Jensen Pomegranate Pattern Silver Two-Light Candelabra, Copenhagen, Denmark, designed 1919, manufactured 1925-1932 (estimate $10,000-15,000). Each pair features pomegranate decoration and has GEORG JENSEN and Sterling stamps on the bottom.
The top lots include several sets of silver flatware, including a 192-piece Josef Carl Klinkosch Silver Flatware Service, Vienna, Austria, circa 1867 (estimate: $8,000-12,000), a 203-piece Georg Jensen Continental Pattern Silver Flatware Set, Copenhagen, Denmark, designed 1908, manufactured 20th century (estimate: $8,000-12,000) and a 257-piece Reed & Barton Francis I Pattern Silver Flatware Service, Taunton, Massachusetts, introduced 1907 (estimate: $7,000-9,000).
Among the strongest selections in the Objects of Vertu is a Swiss Gold and Enamel Needle Case, Geneva, circa 1790 (estimate: $7,000-9,000), which measures 4-3/8 inches and weighs one ounce. The enamel is hand-painted, and the gold interior where the two halves meet is stamped, including with the makers mark. The marriage of gold and light blue enamel in a French Gold and Enamel Snuff Box, mid-19th century (estimate: $5,000-7,000) draws some parallels to the needle case. The box, with a diameter of 2-3/4 inches, is stamped with makers marks on the interior.
Other top lots include, but are not limited to:
A Seven-Piece William B. Kerr & Co. Acid-Etched Silver Tea and Coffee Service, Newark, New Jersey, circa 1900 (estimate: $6,000-8,000)
A Five-Piece Italian Silver Tea and Coffee Set, Milan, 1934-1944 (estimate: $6,000-8,000)
A 238-Piece Gorham Versailles Pattern Silver Flatware Service, Providence, Rhode Island, designed 1888 (estimate: $6,000-8,000)
A German Hardstone-Mounted Silver Figure of a Jousting Knight on Horseback, Hanau, late 19th-early 20th century (estimate: $5,000-7,000)
A Tiffany & Co. Silver Covered Tureen with Helmet-Form Finial and Ram's Head Handles, New York, circa 1860 (estimate: $4,000-6,000)
A Fine Six-Piece Shreve & Co. Partial Gilt Silver Hand Hammered Tea and Coffee Service, San Francisco, California, circa 1910 (estimate: $4,000-6,000)
A Grogan Company Silver Covered Vase and Stand, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, early 20th century (estimate: $4,000-6,000)