BOCA RATON, Fla. – A pair of original artworks hand-signed by the French-born Russian artist Erte (1892-1990), a huge fossil mural from the Green River region of southwestern Wyoming, a 10-acre ranch in Deming, New Mexico (USA), fashion accessories by Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel and a collection of fine American gold coins will all come up for bid on Sunday, May 7th.

They’re just a few of the nearly 400 intriguing lots that will come under the gavel when Auction Life, Inc., conducts its Palm Beach Estate Finds & Spring Cleaning Auction, at the Ramada Suites Boca hotel, located at 701 NW 53rd Street in Boca Raton, starting at 1 pm Eastern time. Seating is limited, so folks are encouraged to call ahead for guaranteed seating, at 561-757-1551.

“Lots 1 through 300 will represent the Palm Beach Estate Finds portion of the auction, while the last 90 or so lots will be a Spring Cleaning sale, with many great opportunities to bid on and buy items at prices that can be considerably less than retail,” said Tarek Jabaly of Auction Life, Inc., based in Palm Beach County. “It will be an exciting and eclectic sale, something for everybody.”

Artworks by Erte (real name Romain de Tirtoff) did so well in Auction Life’s last sale, the same consignor decided to part with two other pieces in his collection. Both are signed gouache on paper paintings, one depicting a semi-nude woman in a gold and silver halter top, the other a woman in a purple evening gown and headband. Each is estimated to sell for $2,000-$6,000.

The fossil mural from the Green River formation is a true slice of history – 50 million years old, showing the fossilized remains of creatures from the Eocene period. And it’s huge: 47 ½ inches by 72 inches, ready for wall mount and display. The piece has an estimate of $15,000-$25,000.

That’s for the wall. For the floor, there’s a beautiful silk hand-woven Qum (or Qom) Persian rug, 9 feet 8 inches by 6 feet 4 inches, with intricate details and colors that appear to change as one passes by. The all-silk, 100 percent Persian rug is estimated to change hands for $500-$1,500.

Auctions of this nature don’t ordinarily feature a 10-acre ranch, but this is no ordinary auction. The ranch up for bid is located in Deming, in southwestern New Mexico (USA), about 10 miles from Interstate 10. The land is a blank slate – nothing on it – and ready for cattle, horses, a dude ranch, or whatever. And best of all, phone and electricity lines are already on the property itself.

Louis Vuitton fashion accessories are always surefire crowd pleasers. The auction will feature a brown and tan monogram coated canvas passport organizer wallet with brass hardware and Taiga leather lining, made in Spain in 2002 (est. $200-$600); and a black Epi leather shoulder bag, discontinued and hard to find in such good condition, made in France in 1992 (est. $300-$900).

Chanel is another name guaranteed to get paddles wagging. Offered will be an iconic medallion tote in a versatile and sleek style, crafted from white quilted caviar leather and featuring dual-rolled tall handles (est. $600-$1,800); and a vintage chocolate quilted caviar leather shoulder bag (or purse), sporting a zipper top with gold Chanel monogram zipper charm (est. $500-$1,500).

Gucci is another brand to be reckoned with. Lots will include a Scarlett Tote in a unique style with a feminine twist, crafted in “GG” monogram Lurex fabric with a sparkling rose sheen, and tall leather-top handles with interlocking hardware (est. $300-$900); and a like-new cosmetics pouch, classic and chic, the perfect little Gucci bag for makeup and accessories (est. $100-$300).

U.S. gold coins will feature a 1900 $20 Liberty double eagle coin, graded MS62 (est. $1,000-$2,000); a 1924 $20 Saint Gaudens double eagle coin, MS63 (est. $1,250-$2,500); an 1887-S $5 Liberty half-eagle coin in a window cardboard sleeve (est. $250-$500); a 1907 $10 Liberty eagle coin, MS62 (est. $500-$1,000); and a 1907 $10 Liberty eagle coin, MS61 (est. $500-$1,000).

Lamps and lighting will illuminate the room with a beautiful, 53-light Swarovski element crystal chandelier from the renowned Schonbek, the third largest model (5873) in the Trilliane series, with the “Swarovski Element Crystals” option, a huge upgrade (est. $5,000-$15,000); and an equally gorgeous mid-century Italian Murano Venetian six-light glass chandelier, executed in clear with pink and sky blue accents and 27 inches tall by 30 inches wide (est. $1,000-$3,000).

Tops in the jewelry category is a stunning vintage Italian 18kt gold graduated articulating snake link bracelet boasting 16 rubies and four sapphires, 7 ¼ inches in length (est. $1,000-$3,000); and an intricately carved white jade butterfly pendant, surrounded by and decorated with 14kt gold, hanging from a lovely white jade and 14kt gold floral beaded necklace (est. $250-$750).

A preview will be held on auction day, from 11 am until 1 pm Eastern time. Phone and absentee bids will be accepted. People who are unable to attend the auction in person will be able to bid online, via the platforms Liveauctioneers.com, Invaluable.com, Auctionzip.com and eBay Live.

Auction Life’s team of consulting specialists has over 50 years’ of combined experience in the fields of estate jewelry, fine art, sterling silver, diamonds and antiques. Tarek, the owner, has been heavily involved in the South Florida auction industry for years, as an auctioneer, estate buyer, manager, auction coordinator and consignor liaison.

Auction Life, Inc. is currently seeking quality consignments for future auctions. To inquire about selling an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (561) 757-1551; or, you can e-mail them at auctionlifeflorida@gmail.com. To learn more about Auction Life, Inc. and the auction on Sunday, May 7th, in Boca Raton, Fla., visit www.AuctionLifeFlorida.com. Tarek ElJabaly Au4538.

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