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LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. – A letter written in 1792 by Alexander Hamilton as secretary of the U.S. Treasury is one of the many treasures offered in Rago’s Great Estates Auction on Saturday, Oct. 21. Also featured are decorative arts and fine silver from across the globe. Absentee and Internet bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.
The Hamilton letter (above) was written to Gulian Verplank president of the Bank of New York, March 26, 1792, requesting payment to William Seton Esquire of $50,000 to be applied toward purchase of the public debt on account of the United States. The letter is accompanied by a 1956 letter from Columbia University Press describing the meaning and context of letter.
Additional highlights include a rare and historic selection of silver including a Georg Jensen beaker, Tiffany & Co. mokume cup and saucer, and 15 Gorham Martele plates originally from the collection of oil tycoon Harry Ford Sinclair (below).

Fifteen Gorham Martele silver plates with Art Nouveau floral motif, 1917, each monogrammed ‘EFS’ for Elizabeth F. Sinclair, wife of oil magnate Harry Ford Sinclair, 11in. diameter. Estimate: $30,000-$50,000. Rago Arts and Auction Center image
“This auction includes much of the best property we have seen all year, from Continental decorative arts to American historical ephemera and Asian fine and decorative arts. It also features a selection of furnishings from impeccable homes, many chosen by Bunny Williams, one of the world’s most celebrated decorators and tastemakers,” said Kelly Cleaver, Administrator, Great Estates at Rago Arts and Auction Center.
The large and impressive silver collection includes objects from Tiffany & Co., Gorham, Buccellati and Georg Jensen (below).

Georg Jensen sterling silver beaker, spot-hammered finish with band of rosettes separated with seven oval garnet cabochons, Denmark, 1925-1932, no. 338, 4 3/8in. x 3¾ in. $2,000-$4,000. Rago Arts and Auction Center image
Decorative arts include a Thomas Webb cameo glass vase (below), porcelain plaques, Tiffany Studios desk clock, and a large selection of Native American pottery.

Thomas Webb & Sons gem cameo glass vase with white and amethyst overlay by George Woodall, England, late 19th century, 8¼in. Estimate: $7,000-$9,000. Rago Arts and Auction Center image
There is also fine art by Rembrandt, Giovanni Antonio Canal, Jean Paul Laurens, Newbold Hough Trotter, Moses Wight, Anton Schiffer and Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait.

Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait (British/American, 1819-1905), ‘A Warm Day in Spring (Under the Apple Blossoms),’ 1893, oil on canvas. Estimate: $7,000-$9,000. Rago Arts and Auction Center image
The 776-lot auction will begin Saturday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. Eastern time.