Furniture and decorative art collections of Rupert Murdoch and Michael Curtiz up for auction in June
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Furniture and decorative art collections of Rupert Murdoch and Michael Curtiz up for auction in June
A fine quality pair of French gilt bronze mounted Vernis Martin decorated mahogany vitrines credénce François Linke. Estimate: $60,000-80,000. Photo: Sotheby's.



LOS ANGELES, CA.- Coming up on June 22, Bonhams Los Angeles is holding a European Furniture and Decorative Arts auction featuring highlights from a myriad of noteworthy collections, including that of Casablanca director Michael Curtiz, and Rupert Murdoch – formerly from the collection of Dr. Jules C. Stein.

Leading the 539-lot sale is a pair of François Linke French gilt bronze mounted Vernis Martin decorated mahogany vitrines, circa 1900 (est. $60,000-80,000). It highlights a strong selection of Parisian furniture and decorative arts from the late 19th century including works by such makers as Linke, Beurdeley, Zwiener, Sormani, Durand, Barbedienne, Escalier de Cristal, Boudet and Christofle.

Also standing out in the sale is one of the largest sections of European ceramics and glass that Bonhams Los Angeles has ever offered with works from the great factories of Meissen, Sevres, Dresden, KPM Berlin, Vienna, Webb, and a complete Hermès ‘Africa’ pattern dinner/tea service.

English furniture and decorative arts are plentiful in the auction including the collection of Rupert Murdoch some of whose highlights were acquired from Dr. Jules C Stein (1896-1981), co-founder of Music Corporation of America (MCA). MCA acquired Decca Records and Universal Pictures and Stein remained its sole owner until 1954, Chairman until 1973 and on its board until his death in 1981. Stein's Hollywood Hills home 'Misty Mountain' was decorated in considerable style and was the scene of much entertaining in Hollywood. Included from the collection is a pair of George III mahogany upright corner cabinets incorporating antique and later elements (est. $4,000-6,000), as well as a George III satinwood inlaid mahogany sideboard; a George IV mahogany pedestal partners' desk; a George II carved walnut concertina action fold top games table; and a Regency mahogany hunt table, possibly Gillows (est. $3,000-5,000 each).

Bonhams also will offer select highlights from the collection of Gloria Reese, who enjoyed a lifelong appreciation of dogs. Partnering with her husband, Nat, whom she married in 1946, Gloria became one of America’s most successful dog-show exhibitors ever. Standing out in her collection is an imposing Napoleon III carved giltwood and gesso mirror from the late 19th century (est. $5,000-8,000).

Additionally, there is a Queen Anne double dome top lacquered secretary cabinet, circa 1700, on offer from the Collection of Elizabeth E. Morton of San Marino, Calif., (est. $10,000-15,000).

Of note from a private collection comprising 35 lots of English and French garden statuary is a 19th century imposing English wrought iron garden bench of parkland proportions (est. $4,000-6,000).

There is also a large collection of Chinese export porcelain, mostly 18th century, featuring many with armorials, as well as a selection of clocks, including several George III tall case clocks.










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