Objects from the Duke’s condominium home in Key Biscayne will be sold to the highest bidder.
(BOYNTON BEACH, Fla.) – The estate of the late Duke Louis d’Antin – a French-born nobleman who led a rich and interesting life prior to his passing earlier this year – will be sold on Saturday, Oct. 22, by Elite Decorative Arts. The event will be held at the Elite Decorative Arts gallery, located in the Quantum Town Center at 1034 Gateway Boulevard in Boynton Beach.
Duke d’Antin was born in 1919 in post-World War I France. He fled to Spain during World War II and fought alongside Generalissimo Francisco Franco in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), rising to the rank of colonel. He later went on to become an Olympic swimmer and a competitive race car driver. In the early 1950s, he competed at LeMans in his native France.
The Duke’s connection to Florida would be his opulent estate condominium home in Key Biscayne, where he resided up until the time of his death. In keeping with his attraction to the finer things in life, he stocked the residence with the best in original artworks, silver, porcelain, estate jewelry, glass, furniture, bronze and more. In all, more than 300 lots will cross the block.
One item carries a pre-sale estimate of $200,000-$250,000. It is a stunning Russian gold and silver enameled desk clock with Faberge marks. The clock has magnificent translucent pink guilloche enameling enclosing a white enameled dial with black Arabic numerals and pierced gold hands. The back bears an 88 silver purity and the mark of the maker (Henrik Wigstgrom).
Two pieces of estate jewelry are expected to realize $20,000-$30,000. The first is a late 19th or early 20th century breathtaking ladies’ Patek Philippe platinum diamond and pearl lapel watch. The watch boasts magnificent craftsmanship, with 165 round cut white diamonds and 78 round graduating pearls in a platinum setting. The face features black and gold Arabic numerals.
The other piece is an exquisite ladies’ platinum ring (size 7.75) having approximately 31 graduating baguette diamonds surrounding a 3-carat oval emerald in the center. The emerald measures 11.16 millimeters by 9.35 millimeters, with a transparent green cushion antique mixed cut to stone. The ring has a total weight of 8.60 dwt (13.4 grams) and is absolutely gorgeous.
Original works of art will include an acrylic oil on canvas landscape rendering by the Italian artist Nicola Simbari (b. 1929). The 32 inch by 40 inch framed and matted painting is an Impressionistic interpretation of the coastal shoreline in Sabaudia (in Italy, south of Rome). The artist employed vivid colors in thick paint and wide brush strokes. It should bring $3,000-$5,000.
Also from the fine art category, an Art Deco gilt bronze and cold painted sculpture of a young girl treating the wound of an injured dog, by Dimitri (Demeter) H. Chiparus (Romanian, 1886-1947) is expected to command $2,000-$4,000. The sculpture – titled Accident Chasse, or in English: A Hunting Accident – is exquisitely detailed and is raised on an octagonal marble plinth.
A spectacular 7-piece Genoese (Italian) 916 silver tea set with handled serving tray has a pre-sale estimate of $8,000-$12,000. The set, crafted circa 1935, has a regal ribbed design with scrolled attributes. Included are a large tea kettle with heater, a coffee pot, a tea pot, a creamer, a covered sugar, a tea strainer and cup and tray. The total weight of this fine set is 261 troy ounces.
An antique and beautifully crafted Teplitz amphora bust of a young maiden, depicted with fanning portions of her dress billowing in all directions, should garner $150-$250. The bust, set on a wooden base and made circa 1892-1905, is 13 inches tall and holds the red Turn Teplitz Bohemia vase mark, indicating the initials of the three owners (Riessner, Stellmacher & Kessel).
Certain to get paddles wagging is a 19th century signed Sevres French porcelain urn with bronze mounts and lid (est. $3,000-$4,000). The piece features a rich cobalt matte and glossy ground, with extensive gilt highlights. The body depicts a continuous landscape and heavenly figures. Raised on a bronze base, the urn is 27 ½ inches tall and is signed by the artist (“Schill”).
Rounding out a list of just some of the day’s expected top lots is a Meissen porcelain reticulated floral footed basket (est. $800-$1,200). It features a hand-painted interior and exterior floral motif, a sculpted border, and applied floral blossoms supported with branch design feet and handles. The 4-inch-tall basket is nicely marked on the bottom with a blue crossed-sword stamp.
The auction will begin promptly at 1 p.m. (EST), with previews scheduled for Friday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, the day of sale, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A healthy in-house crowd is anticipated, and Internet bidding (through LiveAuctioneers.com) should be brisk. Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. A buyer’s premium will apply to all sales.
Elite Decorative Arts’ next big auction after this one is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19, with a special start time of 6 p.m. (EST). The sale will be dedicated to Chinese carvings and works of art. Featured will be hundreds of quality lots of ivory, jade, stone carvings, porcelain, bronze, silver and more. After that, a decorative arts auction is planned for Saturday, Dec. 10.
Elite Decorative Arts is an established, third-generation, full-service antique and auction gallery, specializing in fine decorative arts, paintings, estate jewelry and more. The gallery is located in the Quantum Town Center, located at 1034 Gateway Boulevard (Suite 106) in Boynton Beach, Fla. A full-time, knowledgeable staff is on hand Monday-Friday, from 10-6.
Elite Decorative Arts is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign a single piece, an entire estate or a collection, you may call them at either (561) 200-0893, or toll-free, at (800) 991-3340; or, you can e-mail them at [email protected]. To learn more about Elite Decorative Arts and its upcoming sales, log on to www.eliteauction.com
