The selected and elegantly curated Fine & Decorative sale on 27 September includes an exciting and eclectic offering of lots from 400 years of the decorative arts.  Leading the sale is a rare and fresh to the market Italian polychrome lava stone and pietre dure table top (lot 477) attributed to the Catanese artist Giovanni Battista Cali estimated at £6,000-10,000.  This extraordinary piece, which is fresh to the market, is estimated to fetch between £6,000 and £10,000. Cali's expert craftsmanship shines in this rare creation, showcasing intricate detailing and fine artistry.

 

Lot 477: An Italian polychrome lava stone and pietre dure panel,

attributed to Giovanni Battista Cali

 

The sale also offers provenanced lots to Lord and Lady Weinstock, furniture from Meonstoke House, Hampshire and other aristocratic collections. Alongside fine examples of silver, ceramics, clocks, furniture and rugs the sale has an enticing range of pieces to tempt both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the world of art.

 

Lot 186: A pair of French gilt and patinated bronze figural twin-light candelabra,

after the model by Emile Joseph Nestor Carlier

 

Lots 173-189 and 367-373 – The Property of Lord and Lady Weinstock

We have a fine selection of items from the Collection of Lord and Lady Weinstock. Lord Weinstock was a hugely influential figure in British industry who advised four prime ministers and made significant contributions to industry, politics, art, music, philanthropy, and racing.  He and his wife Netta assembled a beautiful collection of fine and decorative arts at their Wiltshire estate, Bowden Park, designed and built in 1796 by James Wyatt. 

 

Highlights include:

  • Lot 182: Of Horse Racing Interest. The Japan Cup 1997. Estimate: £1,500-2,500
  • Lot 186: A pair of French gilt and patinated bronze figural twin-light candelabra, after the model by Emile Joseph Nestor Carlier, French, 1849-1927, late 19th/early 20th century. Estimate: £800-1,200
  • Lot 368: A near pair of George III mahogany serpentine concertina-action tea-tables, third quarter 18th century. Estimate: £1,500-2,000
  • Lot 370: A George III mahogany, ebonised and satinwood crossbanded bedside commode, last quarter 18th century, in the manner of Ince & Mayhew. Estimate: £1,800-2,500

 

Property of a Gentleman removed from Meonstoke House, Hampshire

 

Meonstoke House is a beautiful Grade II listed house in the heart of the South Downs. Built in the late 18th century with additions of the north and south wings in the 20th century it has 35 acres of gardens and grounds.  The five lots offered in the sale have all graced this stunning Georgian house. 

Further notable pieces include lots 107 and 108 - Two items formerly belonging to Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1894-1895.  Lot 108, a Victorian silver mounted red tape roller, estimated at £700-1,000 formed part of lot 3536 of the Mentmore sale held by Sothebys and was sold on 27th May 1977 (on behalf of the late 6th Earl of Rosebery and his family). Since then, it has been owned by the purchaser and is now on the market for the first time in 45 years and only the second time in its history. It is likely to have been presented to him in 1895 on his retirement as Prime Minister. 

 

Lot 10: Ndidi Ekubia. A contemporary Britannia silver jug, London, 2006

 

The sale also features contemporary British silversmithing at its finest with Lot 10, a Britannia silver jug by Ndidi Ekubia, showcasing the marriage of tradition and modernity, estimate £1,000-2,000.  Additionally, there's an opportunity to acquire distinguished pieces such as Lot 445, a set of ten 'Spiderback' dining chairs attributed to Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens originally produced for the board room of Country Life magazine, and Lot 209, a Paris (Le Tallec) 'Cirque Chinois' pattern porcelain part dinner service.

 

Lot 355: A George III gilt-bronze mounted musical bracket clock

 

Lot 355, a George III gilt-bronze mounted musical bracket clock by George Prior, reflects the British clockmaker's legacy in the Turkish market during the late 18th century.  Rarely seen on the market and estimated at £30,000-50,000, this impressive clock will no doubt attract interest from clock connoisseurs.

 

Lot 289: A sailor's engraved bone cribbage board, dated 1818

 

According to Anna Evans, Head of Sale, "A highlight lot for me is lot 289, a sailor's engraved bone cribbage board, dated 1818, from the whaling brig Cretan estimated at £300-£500. Its appeal is in both the naïve quality of the carving and the history of the object."