ORANGE, CA.- Don Presley’s New Year’s Auction is unquestionably the most anticipated event of the year among those who follow the popular Southern California estate auctioneer’s sale calendar. While the caliber of merchandise to be offered will be everything his loyal clientele has come to expect, Presley said he is taking a slightly different approach than in the past for this year’s sale by scheduling an opening session on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 and a second session on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013.

“Each will be a full session containing some of the finest antiques and art we’ve ever had the privilege of offering to our customers, but with the Monday off in between, so everyone has plenty of time to prepare for their New Year’s Eve festivities,” said Presley. In all, more than 1,000 lots will cross the auction block.

“As always, we have a great mix in this sale, most of which comes from upscale estates,” Presley continued. “Imagine the fanciest European and American antique shop you ever walked into, and that will give you an idea of what lies in store for bidders this time. I think even the most sophisticated buyer would agree that many of the objects from Beverly Hills, Newport Beach and Palm Springs consignors are fit for royalty.”

One of the star lots of the sale is a museum-quality pietra dura cabinet signed “Guiseppe Montelatici Fabbricante” and dated “1883.” An outstanding example of late-19th-century Italian craftsmanship and artistry, it stands 70¼ inches tall and is entered in the sale with a $40,000-$70,000 estimate.

A circa 1840-1880 half-round parlor armchair is ornately carved with winged nude female satyrs, putti, game birds and elaborate botanical embellishments. The seat cover is a contemporary needlepoint work well suited to the chair’s period of manufacture. The lot is estimated at $2,500-$4,000.

Another example of fine carving is the tall-case grandfather clock adorned with bronze heads, masks and other decorative elements. It is expected to make $6,500-$8,000 at auction.

Described by Presley as being of exceptional quality, a striking boulle wall shelf with bronze ormolu masks would add instant elegance to any room. Measuring 17¼ tall by 28 inches long, the grand decoration is estimated at $2,000-$4,000.

Another exceptional piece is the 12½-inch-tall European gilt bronze and ivory statue of a lady, mounted on a marble base and signed “Keriay.” Estimate: $3,500-$4,500.

In the fine art section, a stunning gilt-framed KPM porcelain plaque depicts a woman in a scarlet gown holding a vase filled with dogwood blossoms. The 9½ by 7-inch (sight) plaque is signed “Wagner” and is estimated at $4,500-$6,500. Birger Sandzen’s (Swedish/American, 1871-1954) 22½ by 28½-inch oil-on-board landscape depicting conifers against a background of stone mountains and a crystalline lake could bring $6,000-$8,000.

There are many other treasures in the sale, including Chinese and Japanese ivory, coral and jade pieces; 19th-century Meissen and Royal Vienna porcelain; French bronzes and Carrera marble statues; Galle art glass, European paintings, and an opulent, signed 19th-century Linke ormolu mounted vitrine with marble top.

Don Presley’s New Year’s Auction will commence at 12 noon Pacific Time on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 and Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. Preview Mon.-Sat. 10-6. The gallery is located at 1319 W. Katella Ave., Orange, CA 92867. All forms of bidding will be available, including live at the gallery, by phone, absentee or live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.com. For additional information, call 714-633-2437 or e-mail info@donpresleyauction.com. View the catalog online at www.LiveAuctioneers.com or the Presley website at www.donpresleyauction.com.