Silver

Martin McIlroy runs the Silver Department at Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood. Recent results include £6,100 for a fine set of four George III candlesticks made by Fenton, Creswick & Co of Sheffield. Another example of the quality of the silverware being offered in our salerooms is the Victorian Grecian pattern part table service by George Adams that reached £5,000.

An unusual and amusing piece of early George III silver was the cow creamer by John Schuppe, who was an immigrant silversmith working in London in the 18th century. The piece itself measured 15cm in length and was assayed in 1761.

Whilst there is always strong demand for the more usual items such as candlesticks, tableware, tea services and salvers, there has been a steady rise in demand for smaller collectable pieces, such as novelty menu holders, caddy spoons, desk accoutrements, miniature furniture and unusual electroplated items. Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood hold sales of fine silver and silver plate both of English, Continental and Oriental origin.

News and Articles

	Martin McIlroy, Head of the Silver Department, charts the rise in popularity of the silver claret jug from Queen Victoria to the Art Deco movement. He also traces the English love of claret from the 12th Century to modern times.
	Martin McIlroy, Head of the Silver Department, marvels in a delightful late George III silver novelty toothpick holder, which is so rare that he has never seen an English example before. He is certain that it will bring home the bacon.
	Silver expert Martin McIlroy looks at current trends in fine silver auctions noting the value in novelty and concludes that size matters and small is beautiful.