Sotheby's will offer the important Americana collection of Roy and Ruth Nutt as the highlight of its Americana Week sales in New York.
 The desk originates from the Capen family, who settled in Massachusetts in the mid 1600s |
The Nutt collection comprises some of the finest American furniture, folk art, panting and Chinese export silver, charting the history of the nation.
Furniture and other works from the collection will be sold on January 23, kick-starting Sotheby's two-day Americana auction that runs until January 25. The Nutt collection of important American silver will be sold as part of day two.
Roy Nutt, a computer pioneer, has compiled one of the most important holdings of early American silver in private hands, including small pieces and rare regional items, much of which is estimated at less than $5,000.
However, the top lot of the sale is the majestic Capen family Chippendale carved and figured mahogany bombe slant-front desk, which was created in either Boston or Salem around 1780. It's expected to make between $500,000 and $700,000.
Also featuring is a rare needlework sampler from Pennsylvania dated 1830, which is valued at $15,000-25,000.
A porcelain punch jug with a portrait of George Washington, made in China for the American market, is valued at $15,000-20,000, while a Chinese porcelain orange Fitzhugh soup tureen, cover and stand is expected to bring $8,000-12,000.
