Spring 2014 Fine Silver Auction Preview

Martin McIlroy, Head of the Silver Department, previews the silver on offer in the Spring 2014 Fine Sale that includes an important and rare silver Arts and Crafts Movement bowl by Charles Robert Ashbee (1863-1942) as well as an impressive Indian silver pedestal bowl and an 18th Century French silver rococo double salt, which both have already attracted considerable foreign interest.

The most important lot in the silver auction of the Spring 2014 Fine Art Sale is undoubtedly a rare Arts and Crafts silver bowl (FS22/153) by Charles Robert Ashbee, being 39cm in diameter and weighing 47 troy ozs. Ashbee (1863-1942), a leading light of the influential Arts and Crafts Movement in England, established the Guild and School of Handicraft in London in 1888. However, it was not until early 1896 that, on behalf of the Guild, he entered a maker's mark at Goldsmith's Hall. The present bowl bears Ashbee's own maker's mark, thus making it one of the earliest recorded pieces produced after the Guild commenced silver production. The estimate is £8,000-£10,000.

The most important lot in the upcoming Fine Silver Auction within the Spring 2014 Fine Sale (29th April 2014 - 1st May 2014; in Exeter and Online) is undoubtedly the rare silver Arts and Crafts Movement bowl (FS22/153) produced by Charles Robert Ashbee (1863-1942), which carries a pre-sale estimate of £8,000-£10,000.

In the same Arts and Crafts influence, there is a more affordable silver sweetmeat dish (FS22/8) by Mappin and Webb, which was produced ten years after the Ashbee piece. It still retains the charm of beaten silver, being simple in line and form. It is expected to realise between £300-£400.

A silver sweetmeat dish (FS22/8) is also being offered in the same sale with a more affordable estimate of £300-£400. The silver is being sold on Tuesday, 29th April 2014 as part of the Spring 2014 Fine Sale.

One of the oddest teapots to come up for auction is a George III teapot (FS22/116), which is almost cubist in style, so very much before its time. It is believed to have been made by John Robins, who was known to produce some very quirky designs. Perhaps this may have influenced the likes of Christopher Dresser. The estimate is £400-£600.

This George III teapot (FS22/116) is quite unusual, being almost cubist in style. It is believed to have been made by the silversmith John Robins of London in 1799.

Continental and Foreign Silver is also included in this sale with two large silver pheasants (FS22/104, FS22/105) being the most decorative; each being estimated at £600-£700. France is also represented with an 18th century Rococo double salt (FS22/96), which has created great interest abroad and should realise £500-£700.

One of two large silver pheasants (FS22/104; estimate £600-£700) in the silver auction of the Spring 2014 Fine Sale, which is being held at our South West of England salerooms as well as online with live bidding available.

The other large continental silver pheasant (FS22/105; estimate £600-£700) in the silver auction.

A French 18th Century silver rococo double salt (FS22/96) has attracted considerable interest already from overseas buyers and is expected to fetch £500-£700.

From Asia, there is an impressive large Indian silver pedestal bowl (FS22/101), decorated with hunting scenes. A great deal of interest has been shown by Indian collectors and it is expected to top £1,000.

The silver auction includes an impressive silver Indian pedestal bowl (FS22/101), which has excited Indian collectors. The lot is expected to sell in excess of £1,000.

More traditional Georgian silver comes later in the silver auction and includes a pair of entrée dishes, (FS22/131), which is estimated at £800-£1,200. There is also a set of three oval platters by John Parker & Edward Wakelin (FS22/152), which would look good on any sideboard and carry an estimate of £600–£800.