Cheers! Calif. Vineyard Goes Under The Hammer At Government Auction, Mar. 24

TEHACHAPI, CA, March 22, 2013 (Press-News.org) In addition to a large collection of gold coins, Rolex watches, jewelry and antiques, Government Auction's March 24 auction will present something unusual and very special to bidders - an actual California vineyard.

"Every wine aficionado has dreamed of owning a vineyard. Now there's a chance to make that fantasy a reality," said Government Auction's Chris Budge.

The star of this Sunday's auction is a California vineyard of almost 60 acres that has garnered numerous awards in recent years. The Souza Family Vineyard is located in the picturesque Cummings Valley near Tehachapi, Calif. The vineyard's first crush, its 2005 Primitivo Zinfandel, earned a silver medal at the 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, as well as a gold medal for its 2007 release.

The property comes with a tasting room, three living quarters that include a Victorian-era main house, caretaker's cottage and bunkhouse. The property is also used for weddings, fundraisers and other special events. Estate amenities include a large gazebo, dance floor, pergola, fountain, detached bathhouse with showers and RV hookups. The cottage and bunkhouse are fully furnished.

As always, Government Auction will offer a selection of elite timepieces, including an exceptional Rolex Submariner wristwatch. Introduced in 1953, the Submariner has been a favorite with collectors and outdoorsmen alike. Water-resistant up to 100 meters, the watch in the sale is two-tone stainless steel and 14K gold with a steel sundial and lapis blue disc. This watch comes in its original box with papers of authenticity.

Another fine luxury watch is a gold men's Rolex. The watch is a stunner with 14K rose gold band and face. This watch also retains its original box with papers of authenticity.
The auction house will also be selling an extensive selection of jewelry. A standout piece is a 9.95-carat mixed cut tanzanite and diamond ring. The piece is composed of 14K white gold with a large sky-blue tanzanite as the featured stone. The 9.95-carat stone measures 14mm x 11mm and is surrounded by 16 prong-set, round, brilliant-cut diamonds with a total carat weight of 1.34 carats. Tanzanite is a rare gemstone found only in the African nation of Tanzania. Discovered in 1967 by Tiffany & Co., the gem occurs in gray, brown, violet, blue, purple and green varieties. What makes the gem interesting is its ability to exhibit multiple changes of color when rotated.

Offered for auction in the coin category is a 1909-D $5 U.S Indian Head gold piece, a highly sought-after coin among collectors and investors. The Indian Head "half eagle," as the coin is also referred to, was minted from 1908 to 1916 and again in 1929. Unlike traditional coins minted in this era the Indian Head gold coins featured a design where the main features of the coin were struck sunken into the coin (incuse) rather than a relief. As a result these coins exhibit less wear and usually survived with greater details intact. The coin features the profile of an American Indian wearing a full feather headdress on the obverse, and a standing eagle on the reverse. The coin was designed by Bela Lyon Pratt and contains .2419 troy ounces of gold.

Luxury handbags are an increasing popular item in Government Auction's events. Numerous styles are offered in Sunday's auction. A standout is a Prada jeweled clutch. The elegant evening purse is a vibrant green and adorned with a multitude of faux gemstones that enhance its chic design. The Prada logo is prominently featured in gold on the front of the clutch.

Additional auction highlights include a brass Model 130 NCR cash register, a 5.00-carat princess-cut diamond and an 1891-CC Morgan silver dollar.
For additional information on any lot in the sale, call Debbie at 661-823-1543 or e-mail info@governmentauction.com.

View the fully illustrated auction catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet through http://www.liveauctioneers.com.