Oh, Maggie would have LOVED this
Socialite, civic leader, philanthropist, and Dachshund lover Brooke Astor's belongings are heading to the auction block at Sotheby's on the 24th and 25th of this month, some five years after her passing. The good news is that the proceeds, which may garner up to 6.6 million dollars, are going to her favorite charities, which include the New York Public Library, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Animal Medical Center.
We had a look at Sotheby's, where you can search among Astor's 900 lots for "Astor Dog" or "Dachshund," and were surprised to see relatively few Dachshund items up for auction. Heck, our Dad has more Dachshund stuff. His ain't quite as nice though!
Above is a piece truly for the ages however: a French gold-mounted carved rock crystal figure of a Dachshund, Boucheron, Paris, circa 1970 - realistically carved as a sitting Dachshund with gold collar and ruby eyes, seated on a striped opalescent quartz cushion with gold tassels, with suede Boucheron display case. This piece is estimated to go for between $4,000 and $6,000.
In the Drawing Room with Mrs. Astor and her crew
Related: Brooke Astor
The late Mrs. Astor was quite a "dame." She and her gazillions literally saved New York City from going broke. One of her passions was giving money to needy causes whether it be The Metropolitan Museum of Art or a new radiator for YMCA in Harlem.
ReplyDeleteThe proof of her love of dachshunds was when one of her beloveds bit off the tip of her finger - no doubt snapping at a treat - and still kept the "beast." Two dachshunds were at her bedside when this formidable lady passed away a few years past her century anniversary. Brooke Astor's life was legendary - filled with tales that films are made of - but the tails that quite possibly gave her the greatest pleasure were loyal to the end.