The Estate of Robert Day at John Moran Auctioneers: A Distinguished Collection of Art and Antiques

Robert Addison Day was a pioneering investor, influential philanthropist, and generous civic leader who left an indelible mark on education, science, and the arts. A native Angeleno and 1965 graduate of Claremont McKenna College, Day founded Trust Company of the West in 1971, building it into one of the world's leading asset management firms. He later led the W. M. Keck Foundation (founded by his grandfather) where, as Chairman and CEO, he oversaw over $2 billion in grants supporting groundbreaking science, medicine, and education across the nation.

Day's legacy includes major contributions to USC, Caltech, UCLA, and Claremont McKenna, where his $200 million gift created the Robert Day Scholars Program. Known for his intellect and generosity, he mentored students, shaped institutions like LACMA and the Keck School of Medicine, and led ventures in real estate, private equity, and conservation. Robert Day's estate reflects a life of refined taste, purpose, and accomplishment. As Mr. Day's collection now comes to auction, it offers a rare glimpse into the world of the visionary investor and transformative civic leader. 

Day 1 sets the stage with a dazzling array of marquee offerings, led by a monumental pair of Tiffany & Co. 15-light candelabra (lot 164, est. $100,000–150,000) and an opulent 104-piece silver-gilt flatware service in the coveted 'Chrysanthemum' pattern (lot 18, est. $10,000–15,000). Other decorative standouts include a pair of George II-style eagle console tables (lot 241, est. $8,000–12,000), a Saint-Louis "Thistle" glassware service (lot 359, est. $4,000–6,000), a pair of Japanese Meiji-era bronze kitsune foxes (lot 341, est. $4,000–6,000), and a matched pair of Regency carved mahogany wine coolers (lot 328, est. $2,000–3,000). Fine art highlights include Montague Dawson's The Atlantic Packet Albion (lot 95, est. $40,000–60,000), Edgar Payne's San Gabriel Mountains – Jones Peak (lot 31, est. $20,000–30,000), and Richard MacDonald's bronze Inspiratio (lot 382, est. $3,000–5,000). 

Taking place only online, Day 2 brings an eclectic mix of refined elegance and whimsical charm, offering collectors a treasure trove of decorative arts and furnishings from across centuries and continents. Highlights include a French Provincial carved oak enfilade, 18th century, with a serpentine front and moiré-lined interior (lot 1177, $1,200–1,800), and a Venetian giltwood and mirror-mounted wardrobe, early 20th century, adorned with carved seraphim and acanthus motifs (lot 1140, $800–1,200). Also offered are a pair of mid-20th century églomisé glass table lamps with pleated shades (lot 1269, $400–600), a Lalique 'Ariane' clear and frosted glass dove figural group (lot 1126, $300–500), and a 13-piece set of Rosenthal porcelain dessert plates with maroon and gilt floral borders (lot 1152, $200–300). Additional lots include a charming 19-piece selection of Martha's Vineyard Glassworks art glass, featuring a snowman figure, angel fish, and Christmas tree balls (lot 1332, $200–300); a large 71-piece assortment of East Asian porcelain rice and tea bowls, dishes, and serving ware (lot 1171, $200–300); and a set of twelve Bohemian gilt and frosted claret glasses with frosted orb stems (lot 1061, $100–200).

Event Information

The Estate of Robert Day
Tuesday, July 29th & Wednesday, July 30th, 2025
@ 10am PDT⁠ ⁠

Auction Preview:
Auction preview for this event is offsite and is only available by appointment for registered bidders, from July 23rd to 26th and on July 28th. 

Please call (626)793-1833 to register or for more information.

Terms & Conditions:
Special Terms & Conditions apply for this auction and can be found here.

Auction Location:
145 East Walnut Avenue
Monrovia, CA 91016

To view the sale, go to www.johnmoran.com.  

Contact:

Brenda Smith, John Moran Auctioneers
[email protected]

SOURCE John Moran Auctioneers