Swiss Collector sale at Bonhams

Bonhams is to host the sale of the property of an important Swiss collector later this month, with the collection to be sold without reserve.

Entitled The Jacob Collection, The Property of an Important Swiss Collector, the sale will take place in London’s New Bond Street.

Built over the course of three decades, the items in the collection span more than three thousand years and range from Egyptian and Roman antiquities to 20th century design.

The sale boasts several impressive collections, including: a large selection of cameras, scientific instruments, Victorian erotica, Japanese works of art, books and ephemera, clocks, 17th and 18th century furniture, artworks ranging from Old Masters to 20th century works, silver, watches, jewellery, and toys – including a full-size children’s carousel.

Highlights of the collection include:

• A Bavarian carved, polychrome decorated and parcel gilt sleigh, believed to have been used by King Ludwig II. Estimate: £40,000-60,000.
• Nude by one of the pioneers of erotic and early colour photography, Paul Outerbridge Jr. Estimate: £40,000-60,000.
• An exceptionally rare and extensive late Victorian and later Collection of more than 350 Specimen Woods. The collection was formed in the late 19th century by Thomas Henry Ivey (b.1862) who was a ship’s joiner and former Mayor of East Ham. It was inherited by his son, Wearne Ivey, who maintained and added to his father’s collection and who was the author of the lecture which is sold together with the lot. Estimate: £10,000-15,000.
•  Rare 16th century playing cards, Jack of Hearts “Alart”; Jack of Diamonds “Hector”. Estimate: £2,000-3,000. These two rare playing cards are seemingly from the same pack and depict the Trojan heroes Hector and Alard, from the novel of Renaut de Montauban.

Director of House Sales, Private & Iconic Collections, Charlie Thomas, said: “The Jacob Collection is an exceptional treasure trove of items ranging from the fine and historic, to the rare and intriguing. Everything in it is highly collectable. With an array of wonderful items, this is a modern cabinet of curiosities to entice collectors of all tastes.”

The sale takes place on July 29.