Past Auction

Cartier Mystery Clock Achieves a Record $515,000 at Doyle New York's April 15, 2013 Auction of Property From the Estate of Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl

Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 10am EDT |
New York
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Daughter of William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. and Niece of Consuelo Vanderbilt, Duchess of Marlborough

  • Daughter of William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. and Niece of Consuelo Vanderbilt, Duchess of Marlborough
  • Collection Totaled $1,510,688, Surpassing Its Estimate of $546,000-897,500
  • The Collection Was a Special Section of Doyle New York's Important Jewelry Auction, Which Totaled Over $7.5 Million

On April 15, 2013, Doyle New York auctioned jewelry, timepieces and objets de vertu from the Estate of Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl (1903-2011). Comprising forty lots, the collection was offered as a featured section of Doyle New York’s Important Jewelry auction.

Competitive bidding on the collection resulted an exceptional total of $1,510,688, far surpassing the pre-sale estimate of $546,800-897,500, with 100% of the lots sold.

Highlighting the collection was a rare Cartier Art Deco rock crystal and diamond Model A Mystery clock that achieved $515,000, well over its estimate of $200,000-400,000. The price was a world auction record for a Model A Mystery clock. Another Art Deco clock by Cartier of lapis and nephrite jade soared past its estimate of $20,000-30,000 to fetch a stunning $221,000.

Jewelry from the collection featured an exquisite circa 1930 Art Deco rock crystal and diamond bangle bracelet by Cartier that sold for $100,000, many times its estimate of $20,000-30,000. By Tiffany & Co. was a circa 1904 natural pearl and diamond ring that sailed past its estimate of $15,000-20,000 to achieve $81,250. A circa 1930 Art Deco ruby and diamond clip by Cartier $62,500, more than doubling its estimate of $20,000-30,000.

Reflecting the Vanderbilt family’s interest in yachting was a luxurious 18 kt. gold cocktail tray and set of twelve 18 kt. gold cordial cups by Tiffany & Co. The tray was engraved 'Alva 1931' and the cups were engraved 'Ara 1924' and 'Alva 1931' for William K. Vanderbilt, Jr.’s famed yachts. The tray and cups fetched $100,000 and $43,750, respectively.

CONSUELO VANDERBILT  EARL

A great-great-grand daughter of “The Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt, Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl was the daughter of William Kissam Vanderbilt, Jr. and his wife, mining heiress Virginia Graham Fair, whose father was a partner in the famed Comstock Lode. Her aunt and namesake, Consuelo Vanderbilt, married the Duke of Marlborough and became mistress of Blenheim Palace.

Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl was born into a family at the pinnacle of our nation’s Gilded Age. Over her 107 years, she was a sculptor, world traveler and prominent breeder of Skye and Silky Terriers, her activities and accomplishments appearing regularly in society’s chronicles.

Important Jewelry Auction

Jewelry, timepieces and accessories from the Estate of Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl were offered as a special section of the April 15 auction of Important Jewelry. The entire auction totaled $7,523,063, surpassing its estimate of $4,811,200-6,931,700, with 84% sold by lot and 89% sold by value. (more)

All prices include the buyer’s premium.

Party Pics!

Doyle New York and New York Social Diary co-hosted a preview breakfast within the jewelry exhibition. David Patrick Columbia provided the guests with an entertaining and insightful overview of Vanderbilt history and the family’s place in American society and commerce. See the pics on New York Social Diary! (scroll down that page)

Next Jewelry Auctions

Fine Jewelry: June 20, 2013

Important Jewelry: Fall 2013

Consignments are currently being accepted for Doyle New York’s upcoming jewelry auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction evaluation. Our specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.

For information, please contact Ann Lange at 212-427-4141, ext 221 or email [email protected]

Consignments are currently being accepted

To have your property evaluated for possible consignment in the next auction, please contact:

Ann Lange
212-427-4141, ext 221
[email protected]

Media Contact

Louis LeB. Webre
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212-427-4141, ext 232
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  • A Long Island Estate
  • A New York Estate
  • Bennington College. Gift of Carolyn and George Rowland
  • Descendants of Marian Haven Wickes
  • Estate of a Private Collector
  • Estate of Almond E. Jellison
  • Estate of Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl
  • Estate of Elisabeth Sloan Riddle
  • Property of a Greenwich Village Collector
  • Property of a Lady
  • Property of a Lincoln, Massachusetts Private Collector
  • Property of a New England Collector
  • Property of a New York Lady
  • Property of a Private New York Collector
  • Property of an East Coast Lady
  • Property of Caroline Peterson Dick, Wife of the Late U.S. Senator Charles W.F. Dick of Ohio

A Selection of Auction Highlights