Among the Furniture & Decorative Arts highlights at Clars Auctions’ July 17th Gallery Auction are three extraordinary lots that tell a fascinating story of California’s early political, financial, and cultural history.

Together, they trace the intersecting legacies of Governor Milton Slocum Latham and railroad magnate Mark Hopkins — two figures whose lives helped shape the Golden State during the nineteenth century.

At the center of this narrative is a rare set of Herter Brothers armchairs, commissioned circa 1872 for the billiard room of Governor Milton Slocum Latham’s Menlo Park estate, Thurlow Lodge. Celebrated as America’s premier cabinetmakers during the Gilded Age, Herter Brothers furnished many of the country’s most prestigious residences, and these chairs stand as exceptional examples of their craftsmanship. Following Latham’s financial collapse and death in 1882, Thurlow Lodge and its contents were purchased by Mary K. Hopkins, widow of railroad executive Mark Hopkins, weaving the furnishings of one prominent California family into the legacy of another. The armchairs remained within the Hopkins family until they were sold as part of the estate in 1942.

Further strengthening this remarkable connection is an 1878 carved marble bust of Mark Hopkins by Italian sculptor Pietro Mezzara. Executed during the same year as Hopkins’ death, the portrait captures one of the famed “Big Four” railroad pioneers whose vision transformed transportation and commerce throughout the American West. Offered alongside the Herter Brothers armchairs, the bust provides collectors with an exceptional opportunity to acquire objects connected through one of California’s most distinguished historical estates.

Completing the grouping is a beautiful Baccarat opaline glass vase dated 1867, produced during the same year the renowned French glassmaker exhibited at the Paris Exposition Universelle. Unlike the furnishings from Thurlow Lodge, the vase descends directly through the family of Governor Latham, offering an unbroken lineage to one of California’s earliest political leaders.

Together, these exceptional works represent far more than fine examples of decorative arts. They embody the intertwined histories of two influential California families, preserving a tangible connection to the personalities, homes, and ambitions that shaped the state’s Gilded Age. Opportunities to acquire objects with such well-documented provenance and historical continuity are increasingly rare, making this grouping a standout feature of Clars’ July 17th Gallery Auction

Continuing the offering from the celebrated Emmy and Dolph Andrews Estate this past February, Clars is pleased to present in the July 17th Gallery Auction another selection from one of San Francisco’s most distinguished private collections.

Emily Taylor Andrews and Adolphus “Dolph” Andrews Jr. were descendants of California pioneers and longtime figures in the city’s cultural and philanthropic circles. Their legacy of connoisseurship, refined taste, and commitment to preserving the decorative arts was reflected throughout the elegant interiors of their San Francisco residence, designed by renowned interior designers Michael Taylor and Anthony Hail.

The July offering presents another opportunity to acquire works that once furnished these storied interiors. Leading the collection is a remarkable pair of Attilio Codognato semi-precious stone-mounted silver-gilt Venetian figures, estimated at $6,000–$8,000. Created by the celebrated Venetian jeweler and designer, the sculptures exemplify Codognato’s signature blend of Renaissance inspiration, exquisite craftsmanship, and luxurious materials.

Additional highlights from the Andrews Collection include a pair of French faience or Delft blue and white orangerie urns, estimated at $600–$800, an elegant S.T. Dupont leather and Lacque de Chine lacquer dressing case, estimated at $500–$700, a dramatic pair of Italian polychrome figural pedestals, and a distinguished pair of 19th-century Russian Nicholas I mahogany brass-mounted armchairs, estimated at $1,000–$2,000. Together, these pieces reflect the Andrews’ appreciation for exceptional European craftsmanship and timeless design — qualities that defined their remarkable collection.

As another chapter in the offering of the Andrews Estate, these works invite collectors to own objects distinguished not only by their beauty and craftsmanship, but also by a provenance rooted in one of San Francisco’s most admired collecting traditions.

The objects an artist chooses to keep often tell a story that formal histories cannot. Gathered over decades, the works in Viola Frey’s personal collection trace a network of friendships, mentorships, artistic affinities, and shared histories.

The Artists’ Legacy Foundation and Clars are pleased to present a benefit auction offering access to this deeply personal constellation of objects and the vibrant creative community from which it emerged on June 18th, beginning 10 AM PDT.

Together, these works illuminate a remarkable chapter in Bay Area art history. They reflect the creative community that surrounded Frey and the artistic currents that shaped the region from the 1970s through the 1990s — from functional ceramics and experimental sculpture to the vibrant culture of California College of Arts and Crafts.

Viola Frey collected with care. Every work in the auction was made by an artist who was part of her extended community. During her tenure at California College of Arts and Crafts from 1963–1999, Frey taught and mentored generations of artists. Beginning as a part-time teaching assistant and “resident potter,” she became a tenured professor and helped guide the design and construction of the Noni Eccles Treadwell Ceramics Art Center, known as “the Pot Shop,” in 1973.

The expansive collection to be offered at Clars includes works by Frey’s colleagues and students at California College of the Arts as well as pieces by popular ceramicists and fine artists including Richard Blake Shaw, Arthur E. Nelson, Marguerite Wildenhain, and more. From functional pieces like whimsical tea sets and elegant vases to finely rendered sculptural work, there is something for every collector to admire in this treasure trove.

Frey’s life in the Bay Area intersected with many of the defining artistic and social movements of the late twentieth century: abstraction and figuration, Funk art, Hippie counter-culture, LGBTQ+ activism, and the AIDS crisis. The works in this auction bear witness to those histories and to the community of artists with whom Frey lived, worked, and taught.

While best known for her ceramic monumental sculptures, Frey’s artmaking spanned more than 40 years and encompassed paintings, drawings, and bronze and glass sculptures. Frey was obsessively devoted to her practice and produced thousands of artworks during her lifetime.

Her work explores social constructs, marks of civilization, and gender dynamics, and features a thoughtfully built iconography including suited men, hands, and cast figurines. Her work in clay was ahead of its time, bridging the gap between craft and fine art, while pushing the boundaries of ceramic sculpture.

The Artists’ Legacy Foundation stewards Frey’s legacy and advances the preservation of artists’ estates. Proceeds from this auction support our ongoing work to expand scholarship on Frey, care for her archive, and provide educational resources for artists planning their own legacies. We hope these works find homes who value not only their individual histories, but also their connection to Frey and this extraordinary moment in Bay Area art.

A Lifetime of Collecting Elegance and Sentiment: The Irene Deitsch Collection of Victorian & French Posy Holders will be offered through Clars Auctions as the closing presentation of the June 18th Summer Antique Jewelry Salon Auction. The event presents a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from a deeply personal collection — each lot carrying forward a fragment of a story defined by elegance, craftsmanship, and enduring taste.

Irene Deitsch was born in Akron, Ohio, and graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in art education. She married Marshall Deitsch and moved to Los Angeles, where she taught art at the junior high school level before leaving the classroom to raise their two sons. When the family relocated to Palo Alto, California, she joined the art library at Stanford University, deepening the scholarly sensibility that would later define her life as a collector.

After a brief venture into catering, Irene pursued gemology and jewelry design, eventually opening Vanguard Gems, her own store, which she ran with great success for many years. With her sons grown and her grandchildren “up and out,” she turned her full attention to worldwide travel and antique collecting.

Her passion for antique tussie-mussies took hold in the late 1990s after visiting an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. From that moment, she began assembling what would become a sizable and highly refined collection of posy holders, many of which are depicted in her book Tussie-Mussies: A Collector’s Guide to Victorian Posy Holders (published in 2016 by Marene Press). She also collects antique scent bottles, while her husband Marshall has long been devoted to paperweights.

Now appearing at auction for the first time, The Irene Deitsch Collection of English Victorian and French Posy Holders comprises approximately 130 examples, known variously as porte-bouquets, bouquetiers, or tussie-mussie holders. At the height of fashion between the 1830s and 1880s, these exquisite objects were designed to carry fragrant nosegays, often suspended from chains or fitted with finger rings — uniting artistry, sentiment, and elegance in a single luxurious form.

The collection stands among the most significant private holdings of its kind to appear at auction, rivaling institutional collections in quality and scope. The Frances Jones Poetker Collection at the Smithsonian Gardens, by comparison, comprises approximately 250 examples — underscoring just how remarkable this private assemblage is. Ranging from gold and silver to enamel, jeweled, and filigree work sourced from across Europe and beyond, the collection reflects decades of passionate pursuit and an eye of refinement.

Highlights include a very rare Chinese high carat gold posy holder with presentation case, circa 1890, estimated at $8,000–$12,000, with an intricate wire basket and filigree handle, attached floral pin and finger ring, and a fitted presentation box carved with figural panels and its original key. Also featured is an English 14k gold and enamel posy holder, Liverpool, circa 1880, estimated at $2,000–$3,000, in a satin and velvet-lined octagonal case; a rare English enamel-decorated silver-gilt and glass combination posy holder, perfume bottle, and vinaigrette, circa 1870, estimated at $400–$600; and two European posy holders, circa 1870, estimated at $400–$600, one a possibly Russian example set with a hand-painted miniature portrait encircled by diamonds, the other gilt-metal inset with portrait miniatures and paste jewels on a mother-of-pearl handle.

The Irene Deitsch Collection presents a portrait of a life shaped by discernment, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for artistry across cultures and eras. A consistent thread of sophistication runs throughout — objects chosen not simply for beauty, but for meaning, craftsmanship, and presence — suggesting a home where each piece was genuinely lived with and admired.

Clars Auctions is privileged to present Property from the Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein and Richard C. Blum on May 14th beginning at 2 PM PDT, offering a rare opportunity to acquire distinguished works from their celebrated Sea Drift and Pacific Heights residences.

This exceptional collection reflects the refined taste and legacy of one of the most influential figures in modern American political history — the longest-serving female United States Senator, former Mayor of San Francisco, and past Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee — and her husband, the noted financier and philanthropist. The auction comprises an elegant, curated selection of luxury decorative arts, Asian works of art, and personal memorabilia from their shared homes.

Highlights from the sale include a striking Chinoiserie red-painted floor lamp; two framed landscapes, including a view of Diamond Head by Dianne Feinstein, estimated at $100–$150; a plaster portrait of Feinstein as Mayor of San Francisco by Romany Downie, dated 1982, estimated at $200–$300; and a group of seven Chinese porcelain table articles, estimated at $1,000–$1,500.

Additional offerings include a Mottahedeh porcelain dinner service in the Tobacco Leaf pattern, estimated at $1,800–$2,500; a pair of Chamberlain’s Worcester lozenge-shaped dishes, estimated at $200–$300; three Tibetan Buddhist silver ritual objects, estimated at $200–$300; and two color serigraph artist’s proofs by Melanie Taylor Kent: Return of the Cable Cars and Golden Gate Bridge, estimated at $400–$600.

San Francisco’s Old Guard Elegance Continues at Clars Auctions on February 20th.

Our February 20th Auction will present an exceptional selection from the Emmy & Dolph Andrews Estate, following the high-profile Christie’s New York sale that first brought national attention to this storied San Francisco collection. Together, these offerings represent one of the most significant private estates to come to market in recent years — an authentic reflection of the Old Guard elegance that defined San Francisco society for generations.

Emily Taylor Andrews and Adolphus “Dolph” Andrews Jr. were pillars of the city’s cultural and social life. Descendants of California pioneers and members of a prominent local family, the Andrewses embodied a tradition of stewardship, philanthropy, and connoisseurship; notably, the family’s legacy includes service as trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF).

For decades, the Andrewses lived and entertained in their private San Francisco residence — interiors shaped by legendary designers Michael Taylor and Anthony Hail, whose work reinforced the couple’s passion for European classicism and layered historic interiors. Every object chosen resulted in a collection that feels both deeply personal and museum-worthy.

The upcoming Clars offering continues this narrative, presenting works drawn directly from these storied interiors. Highlights include a Continental hand-colored print diorama; a set of eight 18th-century Staffordshire pottery stirrup cups; and an English silver-mounted coconut cup from the 19th century.

Also featured is an Asprey & Co. 18k gold-mounted bloodstone bowl, offered as part of a group, exemplifying luxury and impeccable craftsmanship. Another highlight is a refined French vermeil and banded agate handled desk set, 19th century, showcasing the Andrewses’ appreciation for elegant objects of daily use. Anchoring the selection is a powerful 18th-century Russian icon depicting the Resurrection of Christ and the Descent into Hell, reflecting the couple’s interest in sacred art and spiritual traditions.

Beyond the highlights, the broader Andrews Estate offered at Clars reflects the remarkable scope of the couple’s connoisseurship. The collection encompasses 17th through 19th century textiles, finely crafted English and French objects of vertu, and an array of Continental and English furniture reflecting classical European forms. Complementing these are luxury travel pieces, including Louis Vuitton monogram luggage sets and custom trunks, examples of the Andrewses’ cosmopolitan lifestyle and decades of international travel.

This offering presents collectors with a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from a private San Francisco collection shaped by institutional-level taste, historic interiors, and a lineage deeply woven into California’s cultural history. As the next chapter following the Christie’s New York sale, Clars’ offering on February 20th affirms the lasting significance of the Emmy & Dolph Andrews Estate — where legacy, design, and connoisseurship converge.

Clars proudly presents the distinguished sale of Property from the Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein on December 18th beginning at 1 PM PST, offering a significant opportunity to acquire items from the personal collection that graced her iconic San Francisco residence.

The property from the Estate of Senator Dianne Feinstein, drawn from her distinguished residences in San Francisco and Seadrift, reflects the senator’s refined taste and graceful aesthetic. The collection includes richly upholstered leather and down furnishings, fine Chinese and Tibetan carpets, English and Continental antiques, Tibetan pieces, and elegant items with Chinoiserie influences.

Senator Feinstein’s distinguished career as the longest-serving female U.S. Senator, coupled with her groundbreaking roles as San Francisco’s first female mayor and chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, solidified her legacy as a pragmatic leader.

Also featured is a sophisticated selection of barware, stemware, and serveware, alongside fine art encompassing landscapes, still lifes, and architectural views of San Francisco. Together, these objects speak to Senator Feinstein’s deep and enduring connection to the city she represented with such distinction for decades.

The Fine Interiors Auction, taking place on November 20th, is anchored by an important estate designed by the renowned interior design firm Parish-Hadley Associates.

Founded by Sister Parish and Albert Hadley in the mid-20th century, Parish-Hadley became synonymous with refined American elegance. Their work — an artful balance of tradition, comfort, and modernity — defined an entire era of high society design, gracing the homes of figures such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Brooke Astor, and Oscar de la Renta. The firm’s influence extended beyond decoration to shaping the very language of American interior style.

This particular estate beautifully reflects Parish-Hadley’s signature blend of sophistication and warmth. Highlights include a set of four silver-gilt “strawberry boxes” made for Tiffany & Co., estimated at $2,500–$3,500, and a pair of Maison Baguès lights, estimated at $1,200–$1,800.

Also featured are elegant pieces by Ann Getty Designs, a watercolor by Lee Radziwill, and an array of refined tableware, including Georg Jensen sterling, Baccarat stemware, and a charming Victorian Santa sleigh.

Adding to the sale’s appeal is a cased Victorian half hull builder’s model of the SS Beverly by Workman Clark HD, Belfast, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. This rare and finely crafted model represents the golden age of shipbuilding and maritime engineering, exemplifying the precision and artistry characteristic of late 19th-century craftsmanship. The auction continues with fine carpets, coins, and music boxes, all offering a glimpse into a cultivated lifestyle.

Clars Auctions is pleased to announce its upcoming Important Watches & Holiday Jewelry Auction, to be held on Thursday, November 20th. This highly anticipated sale features an exceptional array of fine wristwatches and holiday-ready jewelry, carefully curated to appeal to collectors, enthusiasts, and those seeking the perfect seasonal gift.

This auction brings together masterworks from the world’s most renowned watchmakers, each with a storied legacy of innovation and craftsmanship. Among the highlights is a Rolex Daytona stainless steel wristwatch, estimated at $30,000–$50,000, a model famously linked to motorsports and popularized by Paul Newman. Also on offer is a rare 1973 Rolex Red-Submariner stainless steel wristwatch 1680, estimated at $20,000–$30,000, a vintage variation of one of the most iconic dive watches in horological history.

A classic Rolex Submariner stainless steel wristwatch, valued at $7,500–$8,500, further reinforces the brand’s reputation for precision, durability, and timeless style. Founded in 1905, Rolex has long been regarded as the benchmark for luxury Swiss watchmaking, with innovations such as the first waterproof wristwatch and the self-winding Perpetual rotor.

Also featured is a Frank Muller ‘King’ Conquistador stainless steel wristwatch, No. 456/1000, expected to achieve between $10,000–$15,000. Known as the “Master of Complications,” Franck Muller is revered for pushing the boundaries of watch design and engineering with bold aesthetics and intricate mechanical movements.

From Omega, a brand celebrated for its legacy in precision timekeeping and space exploration, comes a Speedmaster stainless steel Olympic model wristwatch, estimated at $5,000–$7,000. The Speedmaster gained global fame as the first watch worn on the moon and remains one of the most celebrated chronographs of all time.

The sale also includes a Bulgari Parentesi 18k gold and stainless steel dress watch, estimated at $4,000–$8,000. Since the late 19th century, Bulgari has been synonymous with bold design, blending classical Roman inspiration with modern elegance. From Baume & Mercier, one of Switzerland’s oldest watchmaking houses dating back to 1830, a diamond and 18k gold wristwatch will be offered at $3,500–$4,500. Known for refined, understated luxury, Baume & Mercier continues to produce timepieces of great elegance.

The auction also features a Breitling Avenger 43 stainless steel wristwatch, estimated at $3,000–$5,000. Founded in 1884, Breitling is celebrated for its association with aviation and for producing some of the most durable, high-performance chronographs on the market. Vintage collectors will appreciate the Bulova Accutron Astronaut 14k gold and stainless steel wristwatch, circa 1970, offered at $3,000–$5,000. The Accutron, developed in the 1960s, was the world’s first fully electronic watch, powered by a tuning fork movement — a true milestone in horological history.

Rounding out the timepiece offerings is the elegant Bedat & Co. Lady No. 3 18k gold dress watch, valued at $10,000–$20,000, representing the brand’s commitment to classic Swiss craftsmanship tailored specifically for women.

Complementing the impressive selection of watches is a glittering collection of fine jewelry. Among the standout lots is a South Sea cultured pearl, diamond, and 14k gold necklace, estimated at $2,000–$3,000, as well as a graceful lavender jade and 14k gold pendant-enhancer and chain, offered at $5,000–$7,000.

From the house of Tiffany & Co., a name synonymous with American luxury since 1837, comes a diamond and 18k gold and platinum earrings and necklace set, estimated at $6,000–$8,000 and a whimsical pair of 1989 enamel and 18k gold fish cufflinks, estimated at $2,000–$3,000. Additional fine jewelry offerings include a pair of diamond and 14k white gold earrings and a diamond and 14k white gold pendant, each estimated between $8,000–$12,000.

“This auction is a celebration of craftsmanship, design, and timeless luxury,” said Campbell Unruh, GIA G.G. Specialist, Fine Jewelry & Watches at Clars. “Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a first-time buyer, or searching for the perfect holiday gift, this sale offers an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of horological or jewelry history.”

These featured pieces represent only a portion of what will be offered in the auction. The full catalog will include a broad range of fine watches and jewelry across various styles, makers, and price points — offering something for every collector and buyer.

Tom and Gussie Lyons’ shared love of design, art, and architecture began soon after their wedding in the early 1950s. In their first homes, a Bertoia/Noguchi child’s table, an Eames rocking chair, and Corita Kent’s vibrant prints reflected their early passion for design and art.

In the 1970s, the Lyons lived in London and there they explored art galleries and antiques shops throughout the city. Returning to Columbus, Indiana in the mid-1970s, they lived and worked amid world class architecture, an experience that further shaped their collecting tastes. From their kitchen window, Eero Saarinen’s steeple for the North Christian Church was visible; while an I.M Pei library with Henry Moore’s Large Arch on its plaza anchored the downtown.

In the 1980s, after settling in San Francisco, their interest in design, sculptural form and modernism blossomed into a passion for Georg Jensen silver. A sculptor before he became a silversmith, Jensen’s work perfectly combined the Lyons’ interest in fine workmanship with form and function. With access to interesting auctions, dealers, and antiques fairs, they built a remarkable collection of Jensen flatware, jewelry, and hollowware. Their pair of Jensen grape candelabra graced the mantels of their Washington Street and Laguna Street homes for over 40 years and a treasured Jensen gravy boat is a mainstay at their daughter’s Thanksgiving table today. Silver items from the Lyons’ collection will be offered at Clars Auctions on November 20th.