Sotheby's Concludes Successful Silver Sales

NEW YORK CITY

:Sotheby's October 26 sale of important English and Continental silver brought $1,345,860 and early English silver from the collection of the late Charles L. Poor totaled $3,139,260.

The first sale was 71.6 percent sold by value and 71.2 percent by lot. The Poor collection sale was 82.5 percent sold by value and 84.8 percent by lot.

Kevin Tierney, head of Sotheby's silver department, commented, "We are pleased with the results of this sale of early English silver from the Charles L. Poor collection. Prices were strong, especially for the very best pieces and these lots drew active bidding from both the trade and determined private collectors. This was illustrated by the top lot, a James II silver chinoiserie salver that brought an impressive $273,600, as well as the set of four George II 'salad' dishes that sold for $162,000. These results were a wonderful testament to a true connoisseur."

The top lot in the sale of important English and Continental silver was the Burghley Basket, a George II silver large bread basket, John Edwards II, London, 1731, which sold for $132,000. Rounding out the sale's top five lots were a George III silver gilt two-handled tray, Benjamin Smith II, London, 1808, $108,000; a very rare Charles I provincial silver beaker, Timothy Skottowe, Norwich, 1637, $66,000; a pair of French silver six-light candelabra, marked L & Cie and signed J. Piault, Paris, circa 1880, $45,000; and a George II silver kettle on lampstand with kettle stand, Paul de Lamerie, London, 1735, $42,000.

Rounding out the top five lots in the Poor collection sale were a very rare set of 12 Charles I silver Apostle spoons, London, 1637, $216,000; William III silver snuffers and stand, Thomas Brydon, London, 1699, $180,000; and a set of six George II silver table candlesticks, Paul de Lamerie, London, 1733-34, $144,000.

Prices reported include the buyer's premium, which is 20 percent of the hammer price on the first $200,000 and 12 percent thereafter.

For information, 212-606-7000 or www.sothebys.com.