A diverse, 1,700-lot auction spanning Continental furniture and lighting, more than 350 works of fine art and sculpture, and a selection of Pre-Columbian and Asian Art is set to capture the imagination of decorators and collectors alike Feb. 21-23 at Heritage Auctions. The Fine & Decorative Arts including Estates Signature Auction is one of the firm’s most popular auction events held biannually at the firm’s Design District Annex, 1518 Slocum St.
A selection of exceptional furniture presented includes a Louis XVI-style bureau Mazarin made of ebonized wood decorated with stunning Boulle marquetry. The piece is accented by figures dancing within gilt borders on a silvered ground and is expected to hammer for $20,000. An early 19th century German Empire mahogany temple-form roll-top desk intricately fitted with hidden drawers and compartments, is estimated to bring $30,000+, while an early 19th century French Chinoiserie Lacquered and Gilt Bronze mounted writing desk is expected to generate bidder interest at $20,000.
Stand out pieces include an Edwardian mahogany circular staircase, expected to hammer for $8,000 and astriking pair of Modernist carved, white marble chairs, estimated at $7,000. The auction also features three rare specimen tables, the largest supporting a micromosaic table top depicting birds and six mosaics of flowers and classical landmarks on a tripartite gilt wood base, which could sell for $15,000.
Leading the extensive selection of decorative arts are four, Louis XV-style gilt bronze, five-light sconces, estimated at $20,000, while the auction’s fine art paintings and sculpture features Victoire, an imposing bronze on a marble base, after Mathurin Moreau (French, 1822-1912), is presented with a $20,000 estimate.
Several private collections offered during the three-day auction event includes a selection of art glass, led by a Lalique frosted Bacchantes vase, estimated at $2,500. An important private collection of rare match safes is highlighted by a circa 1900, 14 karat gold Blackington safe made in North Attleboro, Mass., which may bring $1,500, and a circa 1898 Gorham safe, sporting an enameled blue Yale pendant, which is also expected to bring $1,500+. An important selection of rare meerschaum pipes with original cases from a private New York collection is on offer as well and a lot of seven figural pipes, all dating to the late 19th century, may sell for $800.
Additional highlights include, but are not limited by:
A pair of Italian marble winged nymphs, seated on marble pedestals. Estimate: $15,000.
A 164-piece Reed & Barton Love Disarmed pattern silver and silver gilt partial flatware service. Estimate: $8,000.
West of Walton, Early Afternoon, 1986, an oil on canvas by Keith Jacobshagen. Estimate: $2,000.
An arresting collection of African and Middle Eastern blades and ethnographic weapons, including a lot of 11 such examples as well as an Indo-Persian Tulwa and a deadly three-bladed Katar, which may bring $400.