Silver

Overview

Silver is one of the most sought-after sectors in the global collectors’ market, with rare, antique and historic silver pieces consistently achieving strong auction results. Silver forms an integral part of our bi-monthly Silver & Jewellery sales, featuring important works from leading British and international silversmiths. From early English silver to rare provincial examples and highly collectible novelty pieces, our specialist sales attract buyers worldwide.

Antique Silver

Antique silver remains highly desirable among collectors and investors. One of the key factors in determining silver value is hallmarking, a system introduced in 14th-century England that remains essential for authentication today. Silver hallmarks typically display:

• The assay office
• The date letter
• The maker’s mark
  
  

Earlier pieces (pre-Queen Anne) command the greatest attention at auction. In November 2025, we sold an impressive Charles II silver tankard, dated 1668, for £2,000 (+BP).

Collectors also seek silver from rare assay offices, including Norwich, York, Scottish and Irish provincial silver. We have successfully auctioned important examples of these including an 18^th century Jersey, Channel Islands meat skewer by Pierre II Amiraux.

Silver Novelties and Collectables

Weight is not always an indication of value – sometimes the smallest silver can be the most valuable. Novelty pieces, including 18^th and 19^th century snuffboxes, vinaigrettes and vesta cases remain popular among collectors. Examples to look out for are by renowned makers such as Nathanial Mills, Samuel Pemberton or Thomas Shaw. Often to referred to as ‘Castle Top’, unusual snuffboxes or vinaigrettes engraved with British landmarks can perform the best. In 2024, a snuffbox depicting Windsor Castle achieved £600 (+BP) following competitive bidding.

Unusually modelled items also capture the imagination of collectors. Memorable highlights include a pair of Victorian salts in the form of kangaroo, that sold for £18,000 (+BP), and a pair of William Comyns sauceboats modelled as sleighs, for £2,400 (+BP).

Important Silver Makers

Celebrated silversmiths are prized among serious collectors. Each epoch is associated with different names:

• 18^th century silver – Hester Bateman, Paul Storr, Paul Lamerie
• 19^th century silver – Elkington, Sampson Mordan, Hunt & Roskell, Tiffany & Co
• Arts & Crafts silver – Charles Robert Ashbee (Guild of Handicraft), Liberty & Co, Omar Ramsden
• 20^th century silver – Stuart Devlin, Georg Jensen, Christopher Lawrence
  
  

International Silver

Our Silver Department also handles pieces from Europe and further afield. Indian silver, also known as ‘kutch’ is sought-after for its intricate designs, whilst Chinese silver has its own list of sought-after silversmiths, including Wang Hing. A seven-piece Chinese export tea service by Tuck Chang achieved £3,600 (+BP). Silver from smaller regions can achieve exceptional results due to rarity. A Maltese sugar bowl realised £4,000 (+BP), reflecting increasing demand for scarce regional silver.