DALLAS, TX.- A rare pair of Paul Storr George III silver entrée dishes on silver-plated stands is expected to bring $20,000, to spotlight nearly 500 lots in Heritage Auctions' Fine Silver & Vertu Signature® Auction taking place at the company's Dallas Design District location, 1518 Slocum St. Also by Paul Storr is a cruet stand and a set of 12 George III plates, circa 1799-1800, which is expected to bring $20,000+.

"From the 18th century to Modern and even Contemporary, encompassing work from Continental Europe, the Far East, Mexico and a strong selection of American silver, this truly is a silver auction with incredible breadth and is sure to delight a wide range of collectors," said Karen Rigdon, Consignment Director of Fine Silver and Decorative Arts at Heritage. "The quality and diversity of silver available in this auction is truly exquisite."

Topping a fine selection of Gorham silver is a highly desirable Martelé vase, which required a total of 108 hours of work to produce and chase according to Gorham's own records, expected to bring $9,000 and a 123-piece Christofle French flatware service in the elegant Royal Cisele pattern, is expected to sell for $8,000+. A highly unusual nautical-themed German silver repoussé water pitcher, chased in gorgeous undulating waves centered with a striking open-mouthed mask personifying the wind, is expected to sell for $3,000.

A very rare cup marked by the Texas silversmith/retailer Samuel Bell & Brothers of San Antonio is sure to bring interest. Its pure simplicity and weight are a pleasure to behold in hand and is sure to draw interest with an estimate of $3,000.

A striking selection of centerpieces in the auction is led by a circa 1960 Buccellati Italian swan, offered among several lots of fine Buccellati silver, which is estimated to bring $5,000+, a Walker & Hall Edward VII reticulated epergne, circa 1907-1908, featuring three suspended baskets, could fetch $4,000+, a Gorham figural centerpiece retailed by Tiffany & Co. with a standing figure supporting the bowl with birds perched to either side anticipated to hammer at $3,000+, and a modernist centerpiece by José Marmolejo, circa 1965, has been estimated to bring $3,000+.

Of significant interest is a large collection of George W. Shiebler & Co. silver incorporating enamel work and 14 karat gold: a cabinet vase with painted enamel chrysanthemum, expected to sell at $3,000+, and a letter opener with a beautiful geometric shaded enamel handle expected to bring $2,000+. Among the examples incorporating 14 karat gold medallions and embellishments is a 10-1/8 inch vase with gold poppy blooms topping sinuous leafed stems expected to bring $4,000+.

The depth and breadth of an extensive group of tableware includes an imposing Italian oval buffet meat server for Tiffany & Co., which is expected to bring $5,000+, and a pair of ewers and a tea service of the same pattern retailed by Tucker & Co of San Francisco but made by silversmiths on opposite coasts: a five-piece Gorham coin silver and silver gilt coffee service, could bring $4,000+ and its mate, a pair of W.K. Vanderslice & Co. coin ewers, circa 1860, which are expected to bring $2,000+.

Following continued interest from bidders we are presenting a series of Tiffany & Co. Silver and Enamel Circus figures by Gene Moore, including the prized standing elephant with a dragon emblazoned on its cloak expected to bring $3,000 and a collection of 40+ American silver match safes to be presented starting with the rare Shreve & Co. 14 karat and gold quartz match safe to bring $6,000+.