Diverse in its selection, the Christie’s London Exceptional Sale on July 9 will comprise 61 lots expected to raise more than £14 million. Robert Copley, deputy chairman Christie’s UK, international head of furniture stated the works on offered are “United by the common themes of rarity, provenance, craftsmanship and beauty," and will offer collectors the opportunity to acquire "remarkable works of art; from a sinuous and curvaceous pair of George III silver candelabra appearing for the first time at auction, to a Mark 1 Spitfire.”Leading the sale will be a restored Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1A – P9374/G-MK1A and a Luba ceremonial bowstand, attributed to the Master of Warua, each with an estimate of £1.5-2.5 million.Another highlight of the sale is a group of Napoleonic memorabilia acquired by Sir Michael Shaw Stewart between 1814-1830, sold by his descendants. Items include a portrait of Napoleon in coronation robes by Robert Lefèvre (estimate: £400,000-600,000), his signature black felt bicorne hat made by Poupart & Cie (estimate: £300,000-500,000), and an unopened bottle of wine from Napoleon’s Waterloo carriage with the letter ‘N’ at the base of its neck (estimate: £10,000-20,000).Further highlights include a Chokwe figure of a warrior chief (estimate: £400,000-600,000), The Earl of Bridgewater’s Boulle Table circa 1710-1720 (estimate: £1.2-1.8 million), a pair of Louis XIV torchères circa 1700 (estimate: £600,00-1,000,000), a Louis XV ormolu-mounted Roman porphyry covered vase (estimate: £200,000-400,000), Dundas Mirrors commissioned by Sir Lawrence Dundas (estimate: £400,000-600,000), and a clock made by celebrated clockmaker Thomas Tompion (estimate: £180,000-250,000), among more lots.
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