The gilded urns are either 18th century originals (as stated by Christies in their auction catalogue) and worth every penny of their sale price – as argued by Christie’s, or 19th century copies worth far less – Miss Thomson’s claim. Each party has launched a raft of other claims and counter claims and no doubt both will have some of the worlds leading experts appearing to testify on their respective behalfs. The case is expected to take three weeks, although it is not clear when the judge will give his ruling.