The Collection of Countess to Be Sold at Auction

Sarasota, FL, March 21, 2016 (Newswire.com) - Sarasota Estate Auction has secured important pieces from the collection of a Countess from Monte Carlo, now residing in Naples, Florida. The collection will be sold at auction Saturday, March 26 and April 30, 2016, in Sarasota, Florida.

Among the many pieces acquired is a commissioned sterling tea service from the former collection of King Charles I of Portugal. After King Charles I was assassinated on the streets of Lisbon at the turn of the 20th Century, the tea service was purchased from a deposed political family in Monaco and sold through a reputable antique shop with the original bill of sale for 160,000 francs, the equivalent of $25,000 U.S. at the time. 

Most notable among the items is a lifetime collection of fine sculptures and glass by René Jules Lalique (1860-1945), a French artist known for his creations of glass art, perfume bottles, vases, jewelry, chandeliers, clocks and automobile hood ornaments. His signatures are rare and highly sought after. Other pieces include a collection of framed 18th/19th Century French hand-painted mother of pearl fans and a highly important pair of French bronze candelabra signed by Henri Piccard in the last quarter of the 19th Century.

Also featured at the March 26 auction are multiple pieces from the collection of cosmetics icon Helena Rubinstein. These items include an exceptionally carved French Vitrine from the early 19th century as well as an important Italian Marble Sculpture of “Ruth.” Rubinstein (1872-1965) founded the Helena Rubinstein Incorporated cosmetic company, which made her one of the world's richest women of her time.

“Our most recent local acquisition is a rare, signed Louis Comfort Tiffany paperweight vase," said Sarasota Estate Auction owner Andrew Ford. "Made during the 1920s, the vase is 17 inches in height." 

The auction is open to the public and will be held live from 12 to 4 p.m. at Sarasota Estate Auction, 6030 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, Florida 34243. Online bidding is available before and during the auction.

Beer, wine and refreshments will be served. A buyer's premium applies. Preview the collections Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday before the auction from 10 a.m. to noon, or view the online catalog at sarasotaestateauction.com. For reserve seating, please call ahead at (941) 359-8700. AU #4555, AB #3375