Trio of bejeweled daggers headlining New Year’s sale
Three daggers, believed to date to the 18th or 19th century, with provenance tied to a former prime minister of Iran, is coming before bidders during Don Presley’s New Year’s Auction.
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Don Presley Auction’s New Year’s sale, Dec. 31-Jan. 1, will feature an array of items. The offerings include a 1947 Harley-Davidson Rigid Hardtail custom motorcycle to three bejeweled daggers that once belonged to a former prime minister of Iran. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.
During the two full days of selling, bidders can take their pick of more than 1,000 lots worthy of inclusion in a palace.
Antique Daggers Carry Unique History
Believing to date to the 18th and 19th centuries, the three ornate daggers carry a connection to the family of Hasan Ali Mansour (1923–1965). Mansour's role as prime minister of Iran is part of the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran. One dagger boasts gold and diamond decoration, while another presents with rubbies and emeralds, and highly engraved gilt work and engraved bone plaques appear on the third example. On offer as a single lot, the daggers carry an estimate of $200,000 to $225,000, with a reserve of $55,000.
A few of the additional highlights follow:
• Seven-piece French champlevé portrait vanity set consisting of a footed box, covered urn, pillbox, mirror, brush, comb and picture frame
— Large 19th-century Chinese famille rose porcelain bowl with hand-painted panels and decorated
gilt bronze feet, base, handles and rim
• Cristofle silvered bronze cherub centerpiece with its original crystal bowl. It is the product of craftsmanship by 19th century famed French silversmiths.
— Wallace Grand Baroque 100-piece sterling silver flatware service for 12, includes many serving pieces.
• Ladies platinum sapphire and diamond ring containing three natural blue sapphires. It presents with a total weight of 2.00 carats. The ring is stamped PT900 and weighs 9.5 carats.
Unusual Stamps Set to Sell
Unusual offerings include a rare 24-cent U.S. postage stamp issued in 1861. The steel-blue variety, Scott No. US 70-b, carries an estimate of $15,000 to $25,000. Plus, the aforementioned 1947 Harley-Davidson custom motorcycle – ready to ride – is expected to sell for between $20,000 and $40,000.
For additional information on any lot in the sale, call Don Presley Auction at 714-633-2437, or visit www.donpresley.com.
