A set of Art Deco taps with fabulous provenance is coming up at Sotheby's London on 21st March in the private collection of Mark Birley. The set is catalogued as American c1925-35, 4ins by 6ins, marked 'sterling silver - silver mounted'.
 
The cataglogue gives the provenance as being formerly owned by Annabel Jones, who is presumably Viscountess Astor of Annabel Jones Jewellery, mother of Samantha, and now the mother in law of David Cameron.
 
The Astors were owners of Cliveden where Profumo partied prior to its sale as a hotel in the 1980s, when Walcot Reclamation managed to rescue for posterity most of Clivedens fabulous old bathrooms - although I do not remember any taps like these.
 
Sotheby's press release for this sale states:
This sale offers the collection of the renowned arbiter of taste and fêted London club owner Mark Birley (1930-2007). Works from twelve different collecting areas are represented, thoughtfully put together over a period of nearly 30 years from Thurloe Lodge, his private Kensington residence.
The mastermind behind a portfolio of exclusive members-only clubs, including the legendary Annabel's, Birley innovated a new vision of aristocratic nightlife, creating a world where royalty and rock stars partied together in an atmosphere of sophisticated country house glamour.
His personal realm was no less extraordinary. Featuring a range of impeccable treasures and highly decorative objects, from works by Rossetti, Landseer, Munnings and Hockney to monogrammed table silver, a rare Chinese jade, wonderful antique pieces of furniture, superb bronzes and a bespoke Hermès backgammon board, this sale reflects Mark Birley's private world - his love of understated luxury, entertaining and his beloved dogs.
 
The lot is estimated at £300 - £500.