DALLAS, TX.- A rare, American tray by William Gale & Son of New York, engraved with images of wild animals and Mount Vernon, could sell for $30,000 to lead Heritage Auctions ' largest-ever sale devoted exclusively to silver. The three day event takes place May 8-10 with more than 1,200 lots spanning 200 years in silver design. American and Mexican silver will be justly represented with the presentation of the single-owner collection from New York's Lauren Stanley Gallery.

In 1997, two law school colleagues, Lauren Reddington and Stanley Szaro, partnered in a business venture that would become Lauren Stanley Gallery. The collaboration began just as 19th century American silver collecting and appreciation was enjoying a renaissance, fueled in part by important exhibitions at the New York Historical Society and the Dallas Museum of Art. Lauren Stanley Gallery quickly grew to become a leading force in this burgeoning field.

"We are honored to present this collection, which is sure to delight and bring increased attention and appreciation to the fields of American and Mexican silver," said Karen Rigdon, Director of Fine Silver at Heritage. "The same enthusiasm and eye for quality that made Stanley a pioneer in American 19th century silver collecting, is also evident in his excitement over his developing passion for 20th century American and Mexican Silver."

Lauren Stanley: Fine American & Mexican Silver will feature more than 700 lots with estimates ranging from $100 to well over $10,000. The unique collection documents North American silver design from about 1840 to the present, including a fine selection of silver hollowware and flatware, a collection of American Ladles, Children's cups and silver-plate. The sale presents all aspects of Victorian revivalism to the Aesthetic period and Arts and Crafts, continuing into a full spectrum of modernism, with highlights such as Tales of Michaelman by Maine silversmiths Michael and Maureen Banner, estimated at $20,000+.

Additional highlights in the Fine Silver & Vertu auction include a collection of more than 150 match safes, including a rare Tiffany & Co., gold enamel and gold quartz safe attributed to Paulding Farnham. Likely an exhibition piece, the case's undulating form and geometric enameled design is accented by horizontal bands of blue enamel and retains its original iguana-hide case.

Heritage Auctions Silver Signature Auction is May 8-10 with previews in Beverly Hills April 23-26, New York April 15-17, and Dallas May 3-7.