A John Signer Sargent (American 1856-1925) painting will be one of the stars of the auction. While Sargent is well-known for his portraits, Two Tarpon (right) was painted during a fishing trip to the Gulf of Mexico in 1917 when he was with Charles and James Deering. The experience of catching a 140-pound fish was a memorable one for Sargent, and he wrote about it, recorded it in at least one pencil study (in the permanent collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge), and painted it in this vivid watercolor work.

The work is dated 1917 and measures 21 by 15 ¼ inches. It is estimated to sell in the $100,000-$200,000 range.

A previously unlocated landscape by New Hope artist Daniel Brady Garber is also among the top offerings. Estimated at $100,000-$150,000, From Cary’s Hill is a vivid impressionist landscape in a unique frame signed by New Hope framer Frederick Harer.

By way of a private North Carolina estate, an important Maryland Federal mahogany sideboard attributed to John Shaw, Annapolis, circa 1800, will be offered.

A massive Tang Dynasty Sancai glazed horse, 32 inches, will be one of the highlights of the Asian arts section of the auction.

Brunk Auctions’ fine jewelry session on Friday evening offers an important collection of cut gemstones from the personal collection of world-renowned lapidary Reginald C. Miller. Miller was the stone cutter who cut the famous Rockefeller Sapphire and was known as “Mr. Sapphire.” Included in the personal collection is a platinum, star sapphire and diamond ring with a mesmerizing center star sapphire, Burma origin and great color, estimated at $12,000-$18,000.

Rounding out the auction will be Russian enamels and other fascinating smalls. A George III English silver epergne, London, 1768, features 12 arms with four pierced baskets, four pierced dishes and four shell dishes, large central pierced basket, with possibly later cupid interior finial. From a private Florida collection, a Russian silver plique-a-jour tray, Moscow, late 19th century, oval form, features a silver coin of Katherine the Great.

Contact: (828) 254-6846,

www.brunkauctions.com