Summer 2014 Fine Silver Auction Preview
Published 16th June 2014
Included in the silver auction of our Summer 2014 Fine Art Sale on the 8/9th July 2014 at our Exeter salerooms are one or two unusual items along with the regular Victorian and Georgian silverware.
There is an amusing Elizabeth II condiment set (FS23/51) modelled in the form of seals; the largest seal forming the mustard pot, which has a spoon whose terminal is in the form of a fish. So when the spoon is placed in the pot the seal appears to be eating a fish. The estimate is £200-£300.
Along the same theme of amusing condiments is a salt and pepper pot modelled in the form of pheasants (FS23/92), bearing Dutch hallmarks and nearly 24cm long the brace are expected to realise £300-£400.
Russian silver is also included in the sale and there is an impressive silver and champlevé enamel belt and buckle (FS23/97). The fixing pin is modelled in the form of a short dagger. Bearing pre-1908 kokoshnik marks, the belt is estimated at £800-£1,000.
Moving on to Austria, there is a fine example of a Wiener Werkstatte 'Gitterkorb' two handled vase (FS23/100). The vase was produced by one of the top craftsman of the Vienna Secessionist, Joseff Hoffman. The workshops were founded in 1903 and finally closed in 1932. It is expected to realise four figures.
There are numerous examples of silver tea services from varying dates but in amongst them are two other examples of good Georgian silver. The first is a George II cast silver candlestick by Matthew Cooper I (FS23/143) of traditional design and estimated at £600-£800. The other is an Irish silver two-handled trophy cup estimated at £600-£800 (FS23/144).