Sterling Choices

Sterling Choices

Sterling Choices | Our Silver Specialist's Top 5 Silver Lots

Lot 25

Cowrie shell snuffboxes were a fashionable accessory and status symbol in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. The shell itself came from the Indian or Pacific Ocean, reaching Great Britain through one of its trade networks. This fine example has been mounted in silver, decorated with ocean flora and fauna to reflect its original form.

Lot 36

This German silver cigarette case is beautifully composed. Inset with a ruby flower, a sapphire petal and gold tendrils, it is an incredibly stylish piece of Art Nouveau or Jugendstil design. It makes you wonder who original owner was… perhaps a young woman enjoying newfound autonomy and wealth in early 20^th century Europe.  

Lot 51

Novelty lots are always a firm favourite, and Lot 51 is a rather charming example. Modelled as a recumbent hare, the pin cushion has wonderfully detailed decoration, with its pointed ears and red glass eyes. Its characterful expression would appeal to silver novices and seasoned collectors alike. 

Lot 95

Designed by two iconic silversmiths, the Art and Crafts silver goblet was an easy choice as one of the top lots. Omar Ramsden and Alwyn Carr met at the Sheffield School of Art in the 1890s, where they formed a partnership and later opened a workshop together in Fulham.

Made in 1905, the piece embodies the characteristic design tells of Ramsden – from its hammered bowl to the base signed ‘Omar Ramsden & Alwyn Carr Made me’.

The goblet itself is part of antiquarian history, displaying a personal inscription detailing its creation for Christopher Swainson Cowper-Essex. Christopher’s father was the notable author and academic Henry Swainson-Cowper, whose collection was bequeathed to the British Museum. 

Lot 119

It is always a pleasure to handle a piece of early silver. This Charles II tankard is particularly notable for its unusual coat of arms. The heraldic shield is charged with three dragons’ heads and three shamrocks, surmounted by a muzzled bear crest.

It has been incredibly difficult to narrow the highlights down to five. These are only a small selection of the 170 wonderful and diverse silver lots in our 9^th July sale, with many more pieces available to browse in our online catalogue.