Love at First Bid expands its offerings for Jan. 23 sale

Since their first sale, barely a year ago, the auction house has expanded from a couture and jewelry specialty house to become a recognized source for exceptional art and decorations, Asian decorative arts, as well as continuing as a consistent source for estate jewelry and designer accessories and clothing.

This sale brings to the market a fine collection of designer and artisan jewelry, featuring such makers as Spratling, Miriam Haskell, Kenneth Jay Lane, Theodor Fahrner, and Lalique. Fine gold and diamond jewelry by Tiffany and other makers, as well as a selection of gold and silver enameled cases, comes just in time for Valentine's Day.

Among the fashion accessories is a memorable collection of whimsical handbags in forms ranging from Chihuahua and pug to a Maud Frizon flowerpot bag. A classic selection in crocodile, leather and lizard is also included in the mix.

Fine table wares from a venerable New York City estate include a Buccellati modernist sterling flatware service, a Wallace sterling tea and coffee service, a set of imposing Mexican sterling goblets, a set of Waterford stemware, an Art Deco painted porcelain coffee urn and more. Other examples are as varies as a large bouquet of hard-to-find Czechoslovakian glass tulips to an important menorah by Aharon Bezalel.

Some Asian objects culled from another formidable New York City estate have garnered a great deal of attention from bidders in the U.S. and abroad. Highlights include pairs of porcelain urns, rock crystal foo dog and other fine carvings, and  an extraordinary Ming Dynasty altar table. Also, a framed collection of Japanese gold and silver coins has generated interest among collectors.

Still, it is the art collection that is, perhaps, causing the biggest buzz. "After the tremendous response to a collection of drawings from the estate of Jack Tanzer in our last sale, we were concerned that we wouldn't be able to top that," said director and founder Annegret von Winterfeld. Her concerns were unfounded, however, as collections of noteworthy art came pouring in. With paintings, drawings and prints by such luminaries as Edouard-Leon Cortes, Walt Kuhn, Hunt Slonem, Paul Emile Lecomte, Frederick Judd Waugh, John Chamberlain, Henry Moore, Alberto Giacometti, Salvador Dali, Marcel Vertes, and circles of Abraham Brueghel and Jacques Callot, it is sure to be an exciting day at the auction.

Online live bidding is available through www.liveauctioneers.com.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.