A monumental German silver-gilt sideboard dish realised a 22% increase on its estimate of $150,000-250,000, selling for $305,000 at the Important Silver auction at Christie's New York on October 23.
The dish, made circa 1650, features an intricate engraving that represents four continents (Africa, Asia, Europe and America).
A helmet is laid in the centre of the figures and likely references a period of peace in the long running Ottoman-Habsburg wars (1526-1791).
 The dish was made in Ausburg, Germany |
Such items were often given as diplomatic gifts. A number of such pieces that were presented to the Russian Tsars can be viewed today in the Armory Museum at the Kremlin.
A set of table garniture produced by Tiffany & Co around 1883 achieved $269,000, towards the lower end of its $250,000-350,000 valuation.
 The tableware features illustrations of mythical creatures |
Comprising a pair of bowls and candelabra, the pieces feature mouldings of mythic sea creatures and shells.
A fine George II silver cake basket featuring the mark of Paul Lamerie, made circa 1739, sold for $245,000. It featured similar depictions of sea monsters, alongside representations of the four seasons.
A pair of Italian silver penguin wine coolers by Mario Buccellati senior, circa 1934-1944, made $173,000 - up 73% on their $70,000-100,000 estimate.
Other notable lots at the sale included a George III silver epergne (table centrepiece), which made an impressive 112% increase on estimate, hammering for $112,000 against a $30,000-50,000 valuation.
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