On March 2, Hess Auctions will host a blockbuster sale with over 200 lots of fine art, jewelry and luxury timepieces. The top names are represented in this major auction such as Patek Philippe, Cartier, Breguet, Tiffany and much more. Discover something special for the spring at this sale brimming with rarities.
Here are six lots not to miss:
This Patek Philippe 3541 18K white gold Calatrava watch is one of which only about 100 are known to exist, as most were made in yellow gold. The dial needs refinishing and the case needs to be buffed, but the movement is pristine. It comes with the original purchase receipt, extract from Patek and a copy of the factory service from 2015.
Of the two dozen pieces of fine art there are three Old Master works, the best of which is likely to be bought by a museum. This is “The Old Water Mill” by or after the renowned Dutch artist Meindert Hobbema and bears a signature that is exactly like those in Benezit in the lower left corner. A Dutch Golden Age painter known for his landscapes, Hobbema derived his specialty during his time as the star pupil of the era’s pre-eminent landscape and woodland painter Jacob van Ruisdael. Hobbema himself went on to greatly influence other world-renowned artists, most notably John Constable who himself led his own revolution of the landscape painting genre, and who also composed many –and some of the most famous- depictions of water mills and Hobbema-esque landscapes. Approximately six years ago the estate from which this painting hails was given a verbal estimate, pending inspection, by Sotheby’s in the $600,000-$900,000 range; however when their department was re-contacted upon removal of the work from the estate, the representative informed the estate the work was still under research as to whether by the master’s hand. When a second effort was made to inquire as to the authentication, Sotheby’s said the status of their research was unchanged.
In the luxury watch category the best one is likely the 3947 38 mm large Breguet 18k gold rattrapante split second chronograph. This analog watch is very complicated and should easily top $20,000 to 25,000 but is being sold at no reserve. The dial and sapphire crystal are in top condition, and the case and strap display almost no wear. The movement runs as well.
This one-of-a-kind Cartier brooch is very rare, dating to the 1930s. It is made in 18k gold and platinum with hand-carved natural gemstones depicting a lapis flower pot filled with roses made of natural coral. Translucent jade leaves and fine quality diamond accents add sparkling detail.
Another jewelry highlight is this bonafide 1.59ct natural, no heat Kashmir sapphire ring in a white gold filigree mounting from the Art Nouveau / Deco era. The very clear, velvety blue gem is considered the ultimate standard for blue sapphires the world over, and this one comes with an AGL gem lab report #1127169 to document its origin.
The top lot of Americana is this pair of Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Crystal Ewer Pitchers from the 1890s.The spectacular embellishment on these ewers set them apart with winged figures making up the handle and lid knob.