A golden snuff box with Swedish Royal heritage is amongst the treasures on offer at Heritage Auctions next month.
The company is set to host its biannual Fine Silver and Objects of Vertu auction, with almost 600 lots spanning American, English, Continental, Russian and 20th Century Design.
"Our Silver and Vertu auctions are always filled with spectacular finds, but this season’s offering of snuff boxes are particularly strong," said Karen Rigdon, Director of Silver and Decorative Arts at Heritage.
"The entire selection is a wonderful survey of the art of the subject with a fine selection of Swedish, Swiss, French and German."
The rare snuff boxes on offer originate from an important private collection in Texas, and are led by the Christian Maas Swedish 20-Karat Gold and enameled box, which is believed to have belonged to the Swedish Royal Family. Made in Stockholm circa 1786, the box comes with an estimate of $70,000 – $90,000.
Further notable lots from European makers include a whimsical Faberge pig bell push, made by the renowned work master Julius Rappoport in St Petersburg circa 1899-1908, estimated at $30,000-$50,000.
Amongst the highlights from American silversmiths include an historic and important Whiting Etched Trophy Bowl for the 1883 National Horse Show.
"This presentation bowl is a tour de force, exhibiting a complexity of acid etched design rarely seen" said Rigdon. "The entire body is wrapped with an intricately acid-etched scene which tells a rather macabre story."
The design of the bowl is based on ‘Tam o’Shanter’, written in 1890 by the renowned Scottish poet William Burns, in which a drunkard is chased home one night by an army of ghosts, ghouls and witches.
Regarded as one of the finest examples of late 19th century acid etched design, the bowl is expected to sell for around $15,000.
Further important American pieces include an Erik Magnussen Modern American Bowl and weighted silver candlesticks, designed for Gorham in 1928, estimated at $8,000 – $12,000; a six-piece S.Kirk & Son coin silver tea and coffee service, made in Baltimore circa 1830-1861, valued at $6,000 – $9,000; and a monumental Mauser Mfg. Co. Art Nouveau silver and bronze loving cup, made in New York circa 1887-1903, estimated at $7,000 – $9,000.
Heritage Auctions’ Fine Silver and Objects of Vertu auction takes place in Dallas on October 18.
