An Extremely Rare and Probably Unique Pair of Meissen Augustus Rex Hexagonal Vases and Covers, likely to be the only pair of Meissen vases of this type recorded in literature, also highlights the September sale (estimate $80/120,000). While the 18th century provenance of these vases remains unknown, the survival of at least three rare red-anchor Chelsea porcelain vases, circa 1752-56, which appear to be direct copies, suggests a possible English ownership by the mid-18th century. Whilst it cannot be proven with certainty, it seems probable that the Chelsea porcelain factory had access to the present vases. A potential 18th century owner of the vases is Sir Charles Hanbury Williams, who was British Envoy to the Saxon Court between 1747-49 and 1751- 54.

An Extremely Rare Pair of Meissen Augustus Rex Underglaze-Blue-Ground Beaker Vases round out this spectacular group (estimate $80/120,000). After the death of Augustus the Strong, beaker vases of this type were sent to the Dresden residence to be installed in the Turmzimmer. A remarkable early series of photographs show how the Meissen porcelain was displayed in Turmzimmer and shows surviving vases of this form. A powder blue beaker vase of this form and size, which features the same painted floral band at the center, remains in the Porzellansammlung, Dresden, while another is in the Reiss-Museum, Mannheim. The Oppenheimers acquired these vases separately and only owned one by 1927.

Additional highlights from the sale include: a Very Rare Meissen Augustus Rex Large Seladon-Ground Vase (estimate $50/70,000), likely one of five large Meissen porcelain bottle vases in this color that were listed as delivered to the Japanese Palace in December 1737; a Unique Meissen Armorial Waste Bowl from the Service Made for Clemens August, Elector of Cologne (pictured above, estimate $40/60,000), a smaller version of which is now in the Museum für Angewandte Kunst, Cologne, together with other pieces from the service; and an Extremely Rare Meissen Famille Verte Goblet (estimate $50/70,000), one of only five or six pieces of Meissen porcelain painted in this distinctive style that appear to be recorded.