The treasures of the Ritz Paris at auction: a unique chance to acquire French luxury

Mise à jour 16 décembre 2024 par Redak

The Ritz Paris, a true emblem of French luxury, opens its doors in a unique way. September 25, 26 and 27, this legendary palace is putting up for sale nearly 1,500 lots, a set of objects embodying the French art of living. Organized by Artcurial, this auction promises collectors, design enthusiasts or simple Ritz enthusiasts the opportunity to treat themselves to a piece of history. Whether it’s refined tableware, elegant furniture or art objects, everyone will be able to leave with a piece of Parisian luxury.

A wide range of objects for all tastes

The assortment offered is as vast as it is impressive. The Ritz offers not only exceptional objects for sale, but also items accessible to the smallest budgets. Here are some examples of what the auction has in store:

• Copper batteries, used in the palace kitchens, for professionals or gastronomy enthusiasts.
• Classic armchairs, estimated around 1,000 euros, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to an interior.
• Service bells, formerly used to advertise dishes in the Ritz lounges.
• Dinnerware sets, ranging from glasses and decanters (150 euros) up to champagne glasses and bottle buckets.
• Tea and chocolate services, ideal for tasting moments marked with refinement.
• Imperial bronze dinner service, sold in several lots (300 to 500 euros for 16 pieces).

Iconic rooms of the hotel

Among the key objects, rare and emblematic items of the place are also on sale, some coming from legendary places such as the Hemingway Bar or the hotel’s private rooms. Here are some additional examples taken from the Artcurial catalog:

• Large Art Deco wall lights in chrome metal and opalescent glass, estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 euros. These fixtures adorned the elegant lounges of the Ritz.
• Golden rocaille mirrors, estimated at 800 – 1,200 euros, perfect for recreating the atmosphere of a palace in a private interior.
• Louis XVI chairs in carved wood, in pastel tones, offered at 500 – 800 euros.
• Silver metal champagne fountains, adorned with the iconic Ritz logo, from 1,500 euros.
• Limoges porcelain plates, bearing the Ritz Paris seal, offered at 300 – 400 euros the lot.

Ritz lovers will also be able to acquire even more personal items, such as:

• “Ritz Paris” embroidered bathrobes, from 200 euros, or even porcelain cups and saucers, ideal for breakfast (between 150 and 300 euros).
• Silver metal ashtrays and table lamps, offered from 150 euros.

Memories accessible to all

The Ritz is not limited to luxury items. For buyers on a more modest budget, a range of small objects will also allow you to leave with a souvenir of this emblematic place:

• Mugs and tealight holders available from 150 euros.
• Ecru cotton sateen duvet covers, from 200 euros, or even cashmere throws embroidered with the Ritz logo.
• Caramel leather desk pad, matched with branded key rings, available from 100 euros.

These more accessible objects allow a wide audience to acquire a part of the Ritz dream, while respecting different budgets.

Why is the Ritz selling some of its treasures?

Stéphane Aubert, auctioneer at Artcurial, explains this sale by a need for renewal. If the Ritz has already sold certain pieces in the past, this sale mainly focuses on the table services and other objects used in the restoration. This change is part of a desire for modernization and renewal of the decorum. Taste evolves, as do the needs of chefs and service teams. For example, the copper pans, although beautiful, are heavy and impractical. THE silver metal bells, once essential in tableware, are today less used.

For buyers, this sale represents a unique opportunity to treat themselves to objects steeped in history, having been used in this legendary place. Each lot tells a part of the heritage of the Ritz, where the art of hosting reached new heights.

A palace steeped in history

Inaugurated in 1898, the Ritz has hosted the greatest personalities of the last century and continues to attract stars from around the world. King Edward VII, the great actress Sarah Bernhardt, Marcel Proust, but also Coco Chanel stayed there. Coco Chanel, moreover, considered the hotel as his main residence and installed his own furniture and trinkets there.

The Ritz is more than a hotel. It is the symbol of an era, a lifestyle and French know-how that has been perpetuated for more than a century. This auction allows lovers of the place, but also all those fascinated by French luxury, to acquire a piece of this heritage.

How to prepare for the sale?

Whether you are a collector, interior decorator, or simply curious, this sale could well be an opportunity to acquire precious objects to beautify your interior or to offer a unique gift. Here are some tips for participating in this exceptional sale:

• Find out about lots in advance : The Artcurial house provides a catalog of the objects put up for auction. It is essential to consult it to identify the pieces that interest you.
• Plan a budget : Prices vary greatly from one lot to another. Some exceptional items can fetch significant sums, while more accessible items are offered at reasonable prices.
• Become familiar with how auctions work : If you are not familiar with auctions, it is advisable to attend a few sales or follow the advice of Artcurial experts.

Practical information

• Auction date : September 25, 26 and 27, 2024
• Place : Artcurial, 7 Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
• Hours : The sale starts every day at 10:00 a.m..
• Online catalog : Available on the official Artcurial website, allowing you to consult all the lots in detail.
• Exhibition of lots : Of September 21 to 24, 2024, the objects will be exhibited to the public in the Artcurial exhibitions. Visitors will be able to admire the pieces before the sale.
• Participation : It is possible to bid in the room, by telephone, or via online auctions on the Artcurial platform.
• Price estimate : The items offered vary from 150 euros at several thousand euros depending on their rarity and condition.

Whether you are a loyal Ritz customer, a history buff or a lover of rare objects, these auctions promise to take you on a journey back in time and into the cozy world of French luxury.

Cyril CH

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