Christie's is proud to present at auction the above collection. The auction is taking place on 6 February  at Rockefeller Center, New York.  This spectacularly rich ensemble of rare works ranging from the Renaissance to 19th century is linked through sublime craftsmanship and illustrious provenances.

A modern Kunstkammer - an encyclopedic collection that defies categorization - in the grand princely tradition, this group of works is singular among American collections. Highlights include the exquisite Nero-Augustus Aldobrandini tazza, Netherlandish, 1587-99 (estimate: $2,000,000-3,000,000); an impressively large South German silver-gilt nautilus cup, mark of Hans I Clauss, Nuremberg, circa 1630 (estimate: $700,000-$1,000,000); the only known complete set of 17th-century silver playing cards, signed Michael Frömmer, Augsburg, 1616 (estimate: $500,000-800,000); a sumptuous Japanese lacquer commode by Joseph Baumhauer (estimate: $400,000-600,000); a pair of royal German silver-gilt ewers and sideboard dishes, mark of Conrad Hölling, Hannover-Neustadt, circa 1700-24 (estimate: $800,000-1,200,000); and a German parcel-gilt silver, enamel and gem-set ostrich-form cup and cover, mark of Andreas I Wickert, Augsburg, 1651-1654 (estimate: $500,000-800,000).