Inspired by the Surrealist work of Salvador DalÌ, this large plaque above, decorated with 18ct gold masks on an orange ground, was made by Italian ceramist and silversmith Arrigo Finzi of Milan.
Finzi’s ceramics were produced in small numbers, with usual subjects consisting of the Madonna and later contemporary shapes.
This signed 13½in (34cm) wide piece is believed to be unique, dated to between 1940- ‘60s. In good condition with no damage or repairs, it is guided at £1500-1800 in a timed auction ending on December 20 at William George & Co in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.
wgandco.com or see this item on thesaleroom.com
The famed 1892 bout between reigning heavyweight champion John L Sullivan and James ‘Gentleman Jim’ Corbett changed the course of boxing history in the United States.
The showdown signalled the end of the bare-knuckle era and marked the introduction of Queensbury Rules, which required heavyweight fighters to wear gloves.
The younger Corbett, outweighed by 34lbs entering the showdown, would eventually knock out the grizzled Sullivan in the 21st round at the Olympic Club in New Orleans.
An original press ticket from the bout is estimated at £800-1200 in an online sale concluding on December 20 at Chaucer Auctions. The purse for the bout was $25,000, according to the ticket, which cost $15 – a hefty sum in the 1800s.
chaucercovers.com or see this item on thesaleroom.com
