A Few Unforgettable Finds at Today’s Estate Sale in Preston Hollow

I feel like if George W. and Laura Bush ever decided to have an estate sale, it would look like this one. Without all the nudes

The estate sale of Dallas philanthropist and oil tycoon Cary Maguire kicked off Thursday at the late businessman’s home at 4606 Park Lane. Maguire was chairman and president emeritus of Maguire Oil Co. He is also a self-taught painter and sculptor, and the founder of the Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility at SMU. 

The 15,596-square-foot home in Preston Hollow was designed by the architect Jack Hemphill (1926-1989); An addition was built by the late architect Overton Shelmire (1930-2018). The Maguires custom built the manse in 1985, so the home has never been on the market. It’s our first look into this exclusive property.

In his August 2021 obituary, Rita Kirk, director of the SMU ethics center that bears Maguire’s name, described him as “one of those colorful Texas oilmen you always heard about, with a swagger in his walk, smile on his face, and rugged determination.”

Here’s a look at what’s for sale at this massive estate:

White House China of U.S. President Benjamin Harrison

Maguire had a passion for collecting presidential memorabilia. He adorned his house with displays of rare presidential artifacts and historical documents. Case in point, these three dinner plates from the 23rd President of the United States Benjamin Harrison.

In 1892, First Lady Caroline Harrison selected china service that featured a wide, dark blue border decorated in gold with corn and golden rod, a tribute to the Harrisons’ home state of Indiana. At the center was the Arms of the United States. Inside the border, 44 gold stars represent the states of the Union.

The 288-piece set was made by Tressemanes & Vogt of Limoges, France and ordered through M. W. Beveridge for $732.

In 2019, Dallas-based Heritage Auctions auctioned several 9.5″ dinner plates from President Harrison’s White House china for approximately $3,375 each and up.

China Pattern of President Abraham Lincoln

The now-established tradition of first ladies choosing their administration’s White House china began with First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. Before then, the White House used assorted china from previous administrations to entertain.

The first lady personally selected the solferino pattern at Haviland & Company’s New York showroom. (Solferino was a moderate purplish-red color similar to magenta — a highly popular color at the time. Purple was said to be Mrs. Lincoln’s favorite color.)

The service became known as the Royal Purple Set and featured a bald eagle above the U.S. coat of arms. The 190-piece set of scalloped plates, platters, and saucers cost $3,195 in 1861. These pieces are official reproductions of Lincoln’s original china, which was largely broken during use or pilfered after Lincoln’s assassination. Several subsequent first ladies reordered Lincoln’s solferino china for White House use, including Jackie Kennedy.

More Presidential Collectibles

“Hot Lips” Glass Mosaic by Jean Wells

The Maguire estate also has contemporary art like this glass mosaic sculpture called ”Hot Lips.” Jean Wells is a Seattle-born contemporary mosaic artist whose pop culture pieces have been compared to Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons’ works. She hand cuts the glass to create larger-than-life sculptures of hot dogs, hamburgers, crayons, and candy. ”Hot Lips” was first done in 2008 and a 2014 edition runs $8,000 on 1stdibs.com.

From the Jewelry Cases

His and Hers Dynasty Fashion

Dallas Estate Sellers always does a fabulous job of window dressing the clothes and this display is sure to please.

And About Those Nudes

The Maguire estate’s collection of nudes is vast and varied.

If You Go

Address: 4606 Park Lane, Dallas

“Good day folks! It’ll be HOT HOT HOTTTT here this weekend with us! We have an absolute scorcher of a sale for you this month! Our next great clients have reached out to us assist them with closing this chapter. This stately home has some truly unique one of a kind items and some never seen before pieces that we’re able to pass on to you, so, bring a good friend or two and come early! Bring some water, an umbrella and a stool to use while your waiting and we’ll be provide trying to have some extra shade, a breeze and refreshments too! The dog days of August are upon us and this sale will be the very FIRST weekend of ‘em! Please make sure to map the address just in case there is NO street signage! Cities ordinances are tricky! We always try to make it as easy on you all as possible! Come by to see us and say ‘hello’ to the gang! There’s something here for everyone and it ALL has to go!!”

Sale Hours:

Thursday, Aug 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, Aug 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Presented by Dallas Estate Sellers