NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s Important Silver and Objects of Vertu sale on October 22 in New York will present collectors with an exciting selection by renowned artists such as Paul Storr, Philip Rundell, Paul de Lamerie, among others from well-known collections such as the Inventory of Marks Antiques in London and Property from the Collection of Patricia M. Kluge. The sale also offers a wide array of dining silver including candelabra, wine coasters and condiment sets, as well as precious hardstone animals.

The Inventory of Marks Antiques, London
The Marks Antiques collection is a group of highly sculptural silver from the 18th and 19th centuries. This third generation London-based shop started by Albert Marks in 1934 was one of the bestknown silver dealers in London. Marks Antiques closed the doors of this celebrated gallery earlier this year in May. The sale will feature a set of four monumental candlesticks by Paul de Lamerie, a pictorial dish by Paul Storr, a pair of candelabra made for the Rothschild family, and a group of novelty animals.

A highlight of the collection is an important set of four George II silver candlesticks, by Paul de Lamerie, London, 1731 (estimate: $400,000-600,000). Each candlestick is chased and applied with foliate scrolls and rocaille against panels of shells and matting. Their delicate and subtle grandeur show the marks of true silver craftsmanship. The equally intricate William IV silver sideboard dish, mark of Paul Storr, London, 1831 (estimate: $25,000-35,000) depicts a woodland chase of Venus and Adonis, framed by a gadrooned border. Other noteworthy pieces of the sale include a pair of George III silver-gilt wine coasters, mark of J.W. Story and W. Elliot, London, 1809 (estimate: $20,000-30,000). The beautifully ornate silver-gilt wine coasters are circular with openwork grape vines. The center of each coaster is marked with a crest and dates to 1809.

Property from the Collection of Patricia M. Kluge
The Patricia M. Kluge collection features extremely high quality Regency silver, by renowned makers such as Paul Storr, Robert Garrard, and Philip Rundell. The exquisite collection spans from the 18th century to the modern period, and encompasses an impressive range of styles and forms. Highlights include a silver gilt centerpiece, mirror plateau, and lobster-form salt cellars. Also included is a very fine grouping of modern Puiforcat dinner silver.

Property from the Collection of Patricia M. Kluge, founder and chairwoman of the Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard in Charlottesville, Virginia, includes a magnificent Regency silver-gilt candelabrum by Paul Storr, London, 1814 (estimate: $400,000-600,000). This candelabrum was presented to British Officer Sir Thomas Maitland, the Colonial Governor of Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka) for his service from 1805 to 1811. During his appointment, Maitland fell in love with a beautiful woman named Lovina soon after his arrival in Ceylon. He named his seaside governor’s mansion “Mount Lavinia House” in her honor. It is the figure of Lovina that sits atop this towering centerpiece flanked by dolphins, sea horses, and Indian elephants. The centerpiece demonstrates Paul Storr’s perfection in each individual process- sculpting, engraving, gilding and chasing. The candelabrum symbolizes the exotic beauty of Ceylon, the location of the Governor's palace by the sea near Colombo, and the beginning of a new era for the Sinhalese under British rule.

The collection also offers a group of six lobster-form salt cellars by Robert Garrard, London, 1819 (estimate: $100,000-150,000), that possess a stunning level of detail and are as artistically sculptural as they are functional. The design of these salt cellars is based on examples in the famous “Marine Service” in the Royal Collection. The dinner service section is led by a French silver-gilt table service by Puiforcat, Paris, 20th century (estimate: $40,000-60,000) and a Danish silver flatware service designed by Johan Rohde, mark of Georg Jensen, Copenhagen, post 1945 (estimate: $15,000-25,000).

Additional Highlights
This season is also a great opportunity to enhance a silver collection with unique pieces, such as an unusual pair of hunting-themed Victorian silver seven-light candelabra, by John Newton Mappin, London, 1888 (estimate: $100,000-150,000). Each of the candelabra is applied with hunting horn candlesockets with foxhead joints and the fluted stem opens into seven separate leaf-clad branches. The base is also mounting for a hunter on horseback and his lively hounds. Another noteworthy piece with an animal theme is a Victorian silver three-piece condiment set (estimate: $15,000-25,000). The set is comprised of three seated gorillas, each holding rifles, seated on a triangular stand. Realistically cast, a large German silver model of a ten-point stag by Nereshmeimer, Hanau, circa 1901 (estimate: $15,000-25,000) is another example of a novelty animal figure being offered.