DALLAS, TX.- A monumental Garrard Victorian centerpiece destined for a Dallas estate sale before Heritage researchers discovered it was cast from more than 200 ounces of silver, sold for $32,500 to lead Heritage's Dec. 5 & 6 Silver & Vertu and Decorative Arts Signature® Auctions. The auction saw strong bidder interest for Tiffany silver objects, 19th century furniture, sculpture and clocks, with a circa 1875 three piece French gilt bronze, cloisonné and champlevé enamel clock garniture selling for $31,250.

A local dealer, suspecting the Garrard centerpiece was much more than average silver plate, suggested the consignor bring it to Heritage after spotting it among items scheduled for a Dallas estate sale. Heritage researchers quickly discerned it was produced circa 1851-1852 out of 226.68 troy ounces by London's R&S Garrard. Designed by Edmund Cotterill (1795-1860), the centerpiece depicts a turbaned Moorish rider on horse and a camel lying beside his rider.

"This is one more example why it is so important to make sure you know what you have before you sell," said Karen Rigdon, Consignment Director of Decorative Arts at Heritage. "The consignor is overwhelmed. This is the second time this year Heritage has granted a consigner a veritable windfall due to our decorative arts auctions." Following an appraisal event in Dallas, Heritage sold a Victorian glass bead and wood mirror for $35,000 in September, much to the shock – and delight – of the consigner.

Additional silver highlights during the Dec. 5-6 auction include a seven-piece Kurz & Co. Hanau silver tea and coffee service and tray selling for $17,500 and a lot of 149 pieces of Georg Jensen silver flatware service in the acorn pattern selling for $13,750.

A François Linke French Louis XV-style kingwood and marble commode brought $31,250. The serpentine fronted two-drawer chest was made for Mrs. James Leary Flood following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. After the earthquake destroyed their Nobb Hill home, James and Maud Flood commissioned architects Bliss and Faville to build a Renaissance Revival-style "house of marble" in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood. Mrs. Flood ordered furniture such as the commode by Linke to make her new house a home.

Additional highlights include but are not limited to:

• A 17th century German ebony, walnut, glass and hardstone mounted case clock brought $27,500.

• A monumental Continental silver vase with liner, circa 1950, sold for $11,875.

• A French patinated bronze figural group after Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercié inscribed Gloria Victis sold for $15,000.

• A Tiffany & Co. silver and silver gilt chrysanthemum pattern footed center bowl brought $11,250.