Modern Silver
The generally accepted definition of the word antique is an object that
is over 100 years old. So, one would assume that any piece of silver produced before
circa 1900 is an 'antique' piece of silver. Likewise, anything produced after that
date is a 'modern' piece of silver. Well not quite! Traditionally, antique
silver was used by auctioneers to describe pieces produced prior to the middle of
Queen Victoria's reign; anything later was classed as modern silver.
A set of six Elizabeth II silver goblets, typical of the modern silver seen in our
salerooms, realised £700 at auction (FS17/187).
Therefore, silver categorised as 'Modern Silver' within our auctions includes silver
from the Arts and Craft period, Art Nouveau silver, silver from
the Art Deco era and silver right up to the modern day. Designers and retailers,
such as Christopher Dresser, Omar Ramsden, Archibald Knox,
Liberty & Co and Stuart Devlin will all be found within this
category.
A pair of modern silver circular pierced dishes made in 1972 in London sold in a
silver auction for £330 (FS18/25).
With the growth of the industrial age, wealth and wages have risen giving far more
people the opportunity to purchase practical, yet beautifully designed pieces of
silverwares. From Christopher Dresser through to the Arts and Craft movement, simplicity
of design and a back to basics philosophy saw an expansion in domestic silverware.
Morris & Co together with Liberty & Co were the great
retail outlets.
One silversmith, out of the many that span this period, is Charles Boynton
(1885–1958) and his designs are very popular and collectable. From curved sauceboats
with soft lines to harsh cubist tea services, his designs spanned many tastes.
Specialists
 | Martin McIlroy
Department Head
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