These pictures are from an auction held in New York City, April 11, 1995 at Christie's. This was just one of many auctions held in New York and Los Angeles concerning the sale of Herbert Armstrong's collection of gold, silver and fine art. Much of the fine art and metalwork were purchased during the time HWA was mailing out letters to the membership demanding that they cut back and send in more money. The "Work" was always in a state of distress. Many members did indeed sacrifice and mailed in more money. The result - HWA was on treasure hunting trips to Harrod's in London and other UK locations buying treasures for his three homes and college campuses (St Alban's, England, Big Sandy, TX and Pasadena, CA).
While Mrs. Armstrong was alive and in the early years of the church they lived in a modest house on Hill Ave (now owned by Cal Tech). When Loma Armstrong died Herb began shedding his 'simple' life style for the extravagant one. This was also the time Gerald Waterhouse and Dean Blackwell started blabbering that HWA was an Apostle. And as you all know from the Bible, Apostles were meant to travel around the world speaking to world leaders, give them gifts of Steuben crustal, and play host to them at extravagant dinner parties at the various campus homes. Apostles were ordained by God to live lives with the finest the earth and humankind has to offer. This easy justification lead to multiple millions of dollars in extravagance by HWA, evangelists, faculty, certain department heads and many ministers.
Somewhere I have the actual auction sale prices. the ones listed here are the estimates printed in the catalog.
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Elizabeth II Gold Table Service 14 karat
Used at all dinners in HWA's dining room
Auction estimate $50,00-80,000
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Regency Silver-gilt Four Light Candelabra, Benjamin Smith, 1812
These sat on the buffet in the dining room. They were also used on the dining table.
Auction estimate $80,000-120,000
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George III Silver-gilt Candelabra and matching candlesticks, Paul Storr, 1802
Auction estimate $60,000-90,000
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The Duke of Norfolk's Coronation Cup
William IV Silver-gilt Paul Storr, 1831
Auction estimate $20,000-30,000
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Regency Silver-gilt Centerpiece, Paul Storr, 1818
The Three Graces occupied the place of distinction on HWA's dining room table.
Auction estimate $30,000-50,000
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Regency Silver-gilt Wine Coolers, Paul Storr 1813
Used to keep the hundred dollar wine bottles cool
Auction estimate $60,000-90,000
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A pair of George IV Silver-gilt Wine Coolers 1826
Imagine chilling your wine and champagne at home in these!
Auction estimate $50,000-80,000
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The sterling silver pictured here is an Elizabeth II Table service. Service for 12.
This was HWA's everyday silver.
Auction estimate: $10,000-15,000
