Hakeem Olajuwon #34 Autographed Basketball, 2CT Canary Diamond Ring and Fernando Botero's "Still Life with Fruit" Could all be yours ...

    HOUSTON, TX, June 15, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On Saturday, June 25, starting at 11 AM, Morton Auctioneers will host the LAST auction for Summer 2016. Among a wide variety of fine art and collectibles some of the items getting the biggest buzz include an autographed basketball* from NBA Hall of Fame Star and Houston Rockets legend the one and only Hakeem Olajuwon. A breath taking 2.0 CT Canary Yellow Diamond ring* with a sparkle big enough to catch you eye. AND for investors and art collectors, the recently acquired Lifetime Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award winner and self-proclaimed "the most Colombian of Colombian artists" Fernando Botero's "Still Life With Fruit" pastel. Morton's is world renowned for its Latin American Art auctions and their Specialists are estimating that the Botero could fetch between $50,000-75,000.

All of these items and other [major] works of art will be available to bid on, on Saturday, June 25 at from 11am at Morton Auctioneers in Houston. Morton's is not your traditional auction house (what does this mean?). The staff at Morton's want you to feel comfortable bidding so they offer bidding classes for beginners. If you're unable to attend the class before the auction, Morton's will provide a bidding assistant to anyone new to bidding to help you navigate with ease. All sales are open to the public, and they welcome first time auction goers and seasoned bidders alike. Light refreshments will be served and as always, no prior reservation is required. The complete auction catalogue featuring hundreds of lots is online for preview and pre-bidding.

Morton's last summer sale has four other standouts lots:
A New Spain Polychrome and Gold Leaf St. Christopher Figure, Mexico, 17th century. Depicting St. Christopher, the patron saint of travel, carrying the Christ child across the river. Sculpted with estofado decoration simulating the rich clothing of the time period with fine layers of gold-leaf and detailed chisel work. Estimated at $15,000-$20,000.

A partial 19th Century Val D'Osne Foundry Cast iron figural fountain, part late 19th century, circa 1880, Paris, France. Estimated at $10,000- $15, 000. I would also give her the additional information on the similar examples selling at Christie's and Sotheby's and the permanent fountain in Tasmania, Australia so she can expand on that.

A Patek Phillipe Ladies Gold Watch with Diamonds. Elegant Patek Philippe twenty 4 ladies watch in 18K rose gold. Quartz movement. Creamy white dial with applied gold Roman numbers. Carre set diamond indexes. Diamond pavilion on step crown. Sapphire crystal. Case deployment buckle and is 6.0" long, including case. 200 round brilliant cut diamonds approx. 2.00ct. Clarity VS, Color G-H, Weight 93.7 grams. Estimated at $15,000- $25,000.

Two signed rare oil "Day at the Beach" paintings from American Impressionist painter, Colin Campbell Cooper. Though these pieces are beach scenes, Cooper is known for his impressionist paintings of skyscrapers and monuments throughout the world. He is recognized within the cannon of art history specifically with American Art. Estimated at $7,000 - $10,000

*A Hakeem Olajuwon signed Spalding Basketball. Signed in black marker "Hakeem Olajuwon #34", to sides, displayed in an acrylic presentation case, Olajuwon played for the Houston Rockets from 1984-2001 and the Toronto Raptors 2001-2002. Estimated at $200- $300

*A Fancy Yellow 2.03 CT. diamond ring. Very high quality featured fancy yellow diamond is set in platinum and 18K yellow gold with additional diamond accents on the gallery and shank. Ring Size 6 3/4 , 1 cushion cut diamond approx.. 2.03ct., Clarity VVS2, Color natural color fancy yellow, GIA report included, 142 round brilliant cut diamonds approx. 1.04ct., Clarity VS. Estimated at $10,000- $20,000

Morton Auctioneers
Luis Lopez Morton founded Morton Auctioneers in 1988, first opening as an antique gallery in Mexico City, Mexico. Morton Subastas is the largest auction house in Central and South America. Morton Auctioneers is also the leading Auction House in Houston, and currently holds the city's highest auction record with the sale of a Chinese Imperial Vase for $930,000. Morton Auctioneers are located at 4901 Richmond Avenue, Houston TX 77027.

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