Tues., July 29th & Wed., July 30th, 2025 | 10:00am PDT
LOS ANGELES, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — John Moran Auctioneers is proud to announce The Estate of Robert Day, a landmark two-day sale offering over 700 exceptional lots from the collection of one of California’s most influential philanthropists. Taking place Tuesday, July 29th and Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, at 10 AM PDT, the auction presents museum-quality decorative arts and fine art by celebrated names including Montague Dawson, Edgar Payne, William Wendt, and Richard MacDonald. Day 1 (Lots 1-413), offered in person and online, is led by a showstopping pair of Tiffany & Co. sterling silver 15-light candelabra and a 104-piece ‘Chrysanthemum’ silver gilt flatware service. Day 2 (Lots 1001-1359) will be online only (with lots being offered at no reserve) and includes standout pieces such as an 18th-century French Provincial carved oak enfilade, a Venetian giltwood and mirror-mounted wardrobe, and a whimsical selection of Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks art glass.
Robert A. Day, visionary investor, philanthropist, and civic leader, whose legacy includes transformative support for education, science, and the arts. His estate, reflecting a life of purpose and generosity, now comes to auction. Image provided by The Estate of Robert Day. (PRNewsfoto/John Moran Auctioneers)
Robert Addison Day was a pioneering investor, influential philanthropist, and generous civic leader who left an indelible mark on education, science, and the arts. A native Angeleno and 1965 graduate of Claremont McKenna College, Day founded Trust Company of the West in 1971, building it into one of the world’s leading asset management firms. He later led the W. M. Keck Foundation (founded by his grandfather) where, as Chairman and CEO, he oversaw over $2 billion in grants supporting groundbreaking science, medicine, and education across the nation.
Day’s legacy includes major contributions to USC, Caltech, UCLA, and Claremont McKenna, where his $200 million gift created the Robert Day Scholars Program. Known for his intellect and generosity, he mentored students, shaped institutions like LACMA and the Keck School of Medicine, and led ventures in real estate, private equity, and conservation. Robert Day’s estate reflects a life of refined taste, purpose, and accomplishment. As Mr. Day’s collection now comes to auction, it offers a rare glimpse into the world of the visionary investor and transformative civic leader.
Day 1 sets the stage with a dazzling array of marquee offerings, led by a monumental pair of Tiffany & Co. 15-light candelabra (lot 164, est. $100,000–150,000) and an opulent 104-piece silver-gilt flatware service in the coveted ‘Chrysanthemum’ pattern (lot 18, est. $10,000–15,000). Other decorative standouts include a pair of George II-style eagle console tables (lot 241, est. $8,000–12,000), a Saint-Louis “Thistle” glassware service (lot 359, est. $4,000–6,000), a pair of Japanese Meiji-era bronze kitsune foxes (lot 341, est. $4,000–6,000), and a matched pair of Regency carved mahogany wine coolers (lot 328, est. $2,000–3,000). Fine art highlights include Montague Dawson’sThe Atlantic Packet Albion (lot 95, est. $40,000–60,000), Edgar Payne’sSan Gabriel Mountains – Jones Peak (lot 31, est. $20,000–30,000), and Richard MacDonald’s bronze Inspiratio (lot 382, est. $3,000–5,000).
Taking place only online, Day 2 brings an eclectic mix of refined elegance and whimsical charm, offering collectors a treasure trove of decorative arts and furnishings from across centuries and continents. Highlights include a French Provincial carved oak enfilade, 18th century, with a serpentine front and moiré-lined interior (lot 1177, $1,200–1,800), and a Venetian giltwood and mirror-mounted wardrobe, early 20th century, adorned with carved seraphim and acanthus motifs (lot 1140, $800–1,200). Also offered are a pair of mid-20th century églomisé glass table lamps with pleated shades (lot 1269, $400–600), a Lalique ‘Ariane’ clear and frosted glass dove figural group (lot 1126, $300–500), and a 13-piece set of Rosenthal porcelain dessert plates with maroon and gilt floral borders (lot 1152, $200–300). Additional lots include a charming 19-piece selection of Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks art glass, featuring a snowman figure, angel fish, and Christmas tree balls (lot 1332, $200–300); a large 71-piece assortment of East Asian porcelain rice and tea bowls, dishes, and serving ware (lot 1171, $200–300); and a set of twelve Bohemian gilt and frosted claret glasses with frosted orb stems (lot 1061, $100–200).
Event Information
The Estate of Robert Day Tuesday, July 29th & Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 @ 10am PDT
Auction Preview: Auction preview for this event is offsite and is only available by appointment for registered bidders, from July 23rd to 26th and on July 28th.
Please call (626)793-1833 to register or for more information.
Terms & Conditions: Special Terms & Conditions apply for this auction and can be found here.
Auction Location: 145 East Walnut Avenue Monrovia, CA 91016
Lot 164: The Vanderbilt Candelabra: A Pair of Monumental 15-Light Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Candelabra. Circa 1883; Directorship of Edward C. Moore (1873-1891). Each fifteen-light candelabra profusely decorated with foliate motifs throughout, issuing swirling arms, and raised on six claw feet, Each: 31.5″ H x 23″ Dia., Total weight: 764 oz. troy approximately est. $100,000-150,000 (PRNewsfoto/John Moran Auctioneers)
Lot 95: Montague Dawson (1890-1973), “The Atlantic Packet Albion of the Black Ball Line”. Oil on canvas, 24″ H x 44″ W, est. $40,000-60,000 (PRNewsfoto/John Moran Auctioneers)
Lot 241: A pair of George II-style carved giltwood eagle console tables. Early/mid-19th century. Each associated green marble top above a Vitruvian scroll frieze supported on the wings and head of an eagle, raised on a faux green marble plinth base, 2 pieces, Each: 34.5″ H x 55″ W x 24.5″ D, est. $8,000-12,000 (PRNewsfoto/John Moran Auctioneers)
John Moran Auctioneers, Inc. – From our humble beginnings 50 years ago, we have grown into a trusted, full-service auction house with an international reach. Our experienced team of friendly, knowledgeable specialists can offer you or your clients the highest level of service, whether you are seeking a free auction valuation, a formal appraisal, or a customized estate liquidation plan. (PRNewsfoto/John Moran Auctioneers)
