DALLAS, TX.- A celebration of silversmithing, Heritage Auctions' May 9 Fine Silver & Objects of Vertu Signature® Auction features a number of extraordinary collections.

Among them is an expansive assemblage from the Estate of David Rosen of Beverly Hills, California. As a longtime collector of stamps, antiques, art and more, Rosen shifted his focus to silver in the 1980s, when he developed an interest in 19th and early 20th-century holloware. Within his wide-ranging collection, Rosen amassed an impressive collection of Baltimore landscape silver focused on his favorite American silversmith, S. Kirk & Son. Rosen eventually created a silver display room in his home, where he invited others to enjoy his collection at every opportunity. In fact, his children fondly recall being summoned to the silver room when deliveries arrived and witnessing their father's excitement as each piece was unwrapped.

"Visiting the Rosen estate was an unforgettable experience," says Karen Rigdon, Vice President of Fine Silver & Decorative Arts at Heritage Auctions. "David's extensive collection spanned over 500 pieces from around the world, with a particular focus on American makers. He had a true soft spot for Baltimore repoussé silver, especially landscape scenes, and likely never passed up an example."

This auction, the first featuring pieces from Rosen's collection, offers outstanding landscape silver by S. Kirk & Son, Baltimore Silversmiths Mfg. Co. and the Loring Andrews Co., with forms as diverse as massive candelabra, tea sets, centerpieces and covered servers.Another featured collection in the auction is the remarkable midcentury Taxco jewelry amassed by California-based collector Billy Williams. Williams' collecting passion was shaped by childhood summers spent at his grandparents' hotel in Taxco, Mexico, the heart of the country's mid-20th-century silver renaissance. Encounters with William Spratling, coupled with his grandmother's and mother's love of silver, sparked an appreciation for the works of Spratling, Hector Aguilar, Antonio Pineda and other master artisans. As Williams deepened his collecting focus, he acquired both classic and rare examples from the first and second generations of Taxco silver designers. The 68 lots in this sale include iconic works such as Spratling's Double-Hand necklace, Aguilar's Armadillo necklace, Pineda's Matchstick necklace and cuff suite and Matilde Poulat's elaborate bird-motif pectoral necklace.

"Billy has long enjoyed sharing his collection with family and friends, showcasing these works in his homes and offices," Rigdon says. "Now, as he transitions from collector to seller, he is offering these fine examples to others who appreciate the artistry and legacy of Mexican silver, ensuring these remarkable pieces find new homes where they will continue to be treasured."

The auction also presents a wonderful selection of silver and mixed-metal creations by American makers Tiffany & Co., Gorham Mfg. Co. and Whiting Mfg., many featuring exquisite mokume ornamentation. One standout is a Tiffany & Co. silver pitcher adorned with applied vines, a dragonfly and large hanging mokume gourds. Other Tiffany & Co. highlights include a lobed salver displaying mokume in a striking range of colors, a tea caddy akin to one that realized $25,000 in Heritage's November 2024 Fine Silver auction, a large punch bowl with a sculptural lobster on its base and a rare set of six mokume demitasse cups.

In addition to North American silver, the auction features a rich selection of works from around the world. Among the offerings are exquisite pieces by famed English silversmith Paul Storr, including a pair of silver-mounted cut glass urns, six partial gilt silver open salt cellars and an oval meat serving platter. Another English standout is the Philip Cornman silver epergne for Rundell, Bridge & Rundell featuring scrolling branches, winged sphinxes and classical friezes.From Scotland come works by William & Patrick Cunningham, including a pair of silver covered tureens and a pair of covered urns, both lots bearing the crest of the Graham-Stirling family of Duchray, Scotland. Meanwhile, France brings us a number of lots by Jean Puiforcat, including a 200-piece Monaco pattern silver flatware service for 12, and Denmark provides several exceptional works from Georg Jensen, including a pair of No. 383A silver five-light candelabra, a five-piece Blossom pattern silver tea and coffee set and a pair of No. 264 silver candlesticks.

"There is so much to love in this auction," Rigdon says. "From the Taxco jewelry to the Tiffany & Co. mokume to the exquisite English pieces, the featured works are true treasures for collectors and connoisseurs alike."