Glamorous American socialite and cereal magnate Marjorie Merriweather Post (1887-1973) bought a carved and gilded sleigh during a 1948 trip to Venice. The sleigh, which carries a $3,000-4,000 estimate, is to auction in New York alongside many other items from Merriweather's expansive collection on February 6.

The sleigh was bought in Venice and is believed to be south German-made

The unusual sleigh features a padded back seat upholstered in red velvet, curved wood runners and a gilded decorative dragon's head. It is thought to be south German, having been made at the turn of the 18th/19th century.

Other lots likely to set collectors' hearts racing include a striking gilt and beech boudeuse, which is estimated to be worth $3,000-4,000, and a Roycroft arts and crafts copper-mounted bedroom set, which is likely to bring $20,000-30,000.

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