Auction introduction: This July, the London Exceptional Sale will present a dazzling array of rare masterpieces with distinguished provenances, ranging from Madame de Pompadour to the ducal families of Britain. Each area of the classic arts is represented, with French and English furniture, sculpture, silver, porcelain, antiquities, clocks, precious objects by Fabergé, as well as iconic pieces of natural and maritime history. Among the sale highlights are group of precious ormolu-mounted objects which include magnificent and highly prized schatzkammer hardstones from Hamilton Palace, and a majestic ‘Bleu Turque’ vase — distinguished by its remarkable scale and quality — which was first recorded in the collection of Nicolas Beaujon at the Hôtel d’Évreux, now the Palais d’Élysée, and subsequently entered the collection at Woburn Abbey. Other highlights include a magnificent pair of sculptural silver tureens by Paul Storr from the 6th Duke of Devonshire’s Grand Service and the battle-scarred Union Jack flown from HMS Spartiate at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Explore the Classic Week auction series in London.