2022 marked another year of strong growth for the Silver & Objects of Vertu department at Chiswick Auctions, with a series of standout results and London’s most diverse silver sales. Competitive bidding remained consistent across the board, especially for pieces ranging from £300 to £3,000.
Among the highlights, Her Majesty’s Vase, a Victorian Royal presentation Warwick vase, achieved a record-breaking hammer price of £32,000, the department’s best silver result to date. This historic trophy, awarded to Sir John Barker-Mill at the Plymouth, Devonport and Cornwall horse races, drew significant media attention including coverage from the BBC in Cornwall. Remarkably, the vase and its original base had been separated for generations before being reunited and offered at auction.
Beyond British silver, demand for non-European silver continued to strengthen, particularly Burmese, Thai and Cambodian pieces. As the only silver department in the world with a dedicated and specialist approach to non-European silver, including Iraqi, Ceylonese and Persian, Chiswick Auctions continues to lead the market in this area.
Looking ahead, the first silver auction of 2023 will feature The Stewart Collection of Indian and Burmese Silver, a landmark event for collectors of regional craftsmanship.
Her Majesty’s Vase – A Victorian sterling silver Royal presentation Warwick vase horse racing trophy, London 1845 by John Samuel Hunt
Sold for £40,000 (Inc Buyers Premium)
A fine late 19th century Burmese silver casket or box, Rangoon circa 1890
Sold for £4,500 (Inc Buyers Premium)
A pair of late 19th / early 20th century Siamese (Thai) silver bottles (Ratanakosin), probably Bangkok circa 1900
Sold for £4,000 (Inc Buyers Premium)
A large mid-20th century Iranian (Persian) 840 standard silver samovar set, Isfahan circa 1960 mark of Bagher Parvaresh (c.1910-1978, master 1928)
Sold for £5,000 (Inc Buyers Premium)
A large and fine Charles II sterling silver tankard, London 1677 by Arthur Manwaring (free 1643, d.1678)
Sold for £10,000 (Inc Buyers Premium)
A heavy graduated set of George II sterling silver casters, London 1736 by Paul Crespin
Sold for £6,250 (Inc Buyers Premium)
A rare Charles II East Anglian provincial sterling silver spoon, Norwich dated 1676 by Arthur Haslewood II (free. 26th March 1661, d. 1684)
Sold for £4,750 (Inc Buyers Premium)
A set of eight Elizabeth II modernist parcel gilt sterling silver goblets, London 1969 by Stuart Devlin (1931-2018)
Sold for £5,000 (Inc Buyers Premium)
A cased set of George II sterling silver tea caddies and sugar box, London 1755 by George Methuen (reg. 3rd Aug 1743)
Sold for £5,000 (Inc Buyers Premium)
A good Victorian sterling silver claret or wine drinking set, London 1877 by Elkington and Co
Sold for £4,125 (Inc Buyers Premium)
If you have a piece of silver or a collection you are considering selling, our Silver & Objects of Vertu specialists offers complimentary valuations and expert advice. We are especially keen to hear from those with non-European silver, from regions such as India, Burma, Iran, Iraq and beyond.
Get in touch with John Rogers, Head of Department
john.rogers@chiswickauctions.co.uk
Or submit an Online Valuation