Ivory & Silver Highlight Matthew Barton’s November Sale

16Oct/120

Ivory & Silver Highlight Matthew Barton’s November Sale

Three fascinating collections of intricate ivory objects, originating from Japan, China and India will be among the highlights of Matthew Barton Ltd’s seventh auction of Silver, Ceramics, Jewellery, Works of Art and Objects of Vertu. The sale will take place on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 in London at 25 Blythe Road, W14 and viewing will start on the Sunday (November 20th). For those who cannot attend

Among the ivory are figures of all sizes, letter openers, an extremely desirable letter rack and a variety of fans. The auction will include more than 100 pieces of ivory dating from the 17th to the early 20th century, with estimates ranging from £100 to £10,000. Interesting pieces include a “John Company” part chess set dating from the 1830s. One side represents the East India Company (nicknamed “John”), while the other side represents Indian States troops (Estimate: £2,500-3,500) see illustration.

The sale will also include a wide variety of silver, which could make wonderful Christmas gifts, from coffee pots by the well-known maker Garrards through to late 19th century Russian tankards to a full set of Georg Jensen table silver, dating from 1930 and comprising 157 pieces decorated in the pyramid pattern (Estimate: £5,000-7,000) see illustration. ! !

One of the more unusual pieces is a late 19th century German centrepiece of an Ostrich, measuring 41cm high, which was made in Hanau. Estimated at £3,000-5,000, the table centerpiece is based on 16th century examples made by the German Guild Companies and is extremely similar to one sold in the auction of items belonging to Yves Saint Laurent in February 2009 – see illustration.

Matthew Barton Ltd’s sale will have a section devoted to ceramics and will include two very good collections. The Private Collection of the late Sybil Hermele, a well-known collector of Chelsea Porcelain who lived in North London, includes many items that were inspired by Barlow’s Aesops Fables of 1666. The most notable piece is a teabowl and saucer decorated with the fox and the goat, dating from 1753- 54 which is estimated at £6,000-8,000 – see illustration.

The other collection was amassed by well-known Sotheby’s Expert, Timothy Clarke and encompassing a wide variety of unusual English and Continental ceramics, their sometimes poor condition outweighed by their rarity and interest. Items include a Doccia armorial chocolate cup of circa 1750 (Estimate: £1,000-1,500), a number of early Meissen pieces (estimates vary from £100 to £1,500) and a Worcester dish from the famous Stowe service (Estimate: £800-1,200).