The Badminton Cabinet: The Property of Mrs. Barbara Piasecka Johnson. December 9, 2004. Sale #6968 Lot 260.
London: Christie's, 2005. Hardcover. 4to.. 95 pp. Auction catalogue. With color photographs throughout. The 3rd Duke of Beaufort commissioned the Opificio delle Pietre Dure to make this famous Baroque cabinet in Florence in 1726. In 2004, the cabinet sold for £19.04 million, the equivalent of USD $36.6 million, it fetched the highest price ever paid at auction for any piece of furniture. The previous record was held by the same cabinet, sold at Christie's in July 1990 for £8.58 million.
The piece, which is known as the "Badminton Cabinet" after the residence of the Duke of Beaufort, was bought on behalf of Prince Hans Adam II of Liechtenstein. The underbidder is believed to have been a leading American institution. Near Fine in Near Fine dust jacket. Item #1201202403
Price: $50.00