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Auction: 18001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 805

Sale by Order of the Family

THE STEFAN RATH COLLECTION OF DRESS MINIATURES

(PART II)

A FOREWORD BY JOHANNES RATH

"I soon learned why"

When I started accompanying my father on business trips to London, the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square was always our temporary home. He always talked about how convenient it was on the Piccadilly Line; I dreaded the tube but enjoyed the bar when I came of age.

It took me well over 10 years to start wondering why he took the trouble of taking the underground for another 20 minutes back towards Earls Court where most of our interior design clients are found. Having taken over the family business I became a frequent visitor to London myself and quickly chose to relocate to Earls Court.

Sometime later I had my father accompany me to London - but he would not stay at my new found home. It had to be the Imperial. I soon learned why: Spink of course!

Since my father's passing it was a clear decision to entrust his favourite place in London to distribute his collection among his friends and fellow collectors worldwide. The success of the first instalment, including his most cherished treasure of diamond-set miniatures, proved the best choice for me and my mother Elisabeth.

Marcus and David took great pleasure in studying and cataloguing the collection which kind of made my father come alive again. It is a rare pleasure to see people sharing my father's love and dedication. We hope you enjoy Part II of his collection.

Johannes Rath, Vienna, Spring 2018



CATALOGUER'S NOTE

Having offered Part I in our December 2017 Auction, we were thrilled in the response we received both in the results and the sentiments expressed by fellow collectors, both in Europe and far beyond. Many knew of Stefan's Collection and took great interest in the first section.

Highlights would have to include the well-publicised 'Brilliant Miniatures' section of jewel-set miniatures, with the crowning glory surely the superb and early Turkish Order of Glory (Lot 175) which achieved a simply staggering hammer price of £12,000. Another personal highlight would have to be the most unusual Prussian Order of the White Deer of St. Hubert (Lot 156).

As before, the care and detail shown for the preservation of the miniatures is evident across the collection. We make no mention of Stefan's acquisition of ribands and suspension loops where required, as his efforts 'restored' the Badges to their former glories. As miniatures do not come under the constraints applied to official full-size insignia and medals, the items on offer are not subject to return. They may all be viewed online and we are happy to answer and specific queries.

It is with great pleasure that I may now introduce you to the Stefan Rath Collection - Part II.

Marcus Budgen


Austria, Empire, Order of the Golden Fleece, 16mm, silver-gilt with straight-bar suspension, the loop set with 6 chip diamonds, good very fine

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Sold for
£260