Coming up for auction next week in Plymouth is a good collection of silverwares. Enthusiasts will be able to bid on various Georgian and later flatware, Middle Eastern silverware, and a handsome Edwardian serving tray. Weighing over 100 ounces and made by Edward Barnard Sons, it has a guide price of over £1,000 (Lot 4). Of local interest is a pair of provincial Exeter silver spoons dating from the mid 18th century, with engraved initials it is possible that they were a wedding gift (Lot 140). A collection of 18th century and later needlework samplers illustrate the technical skills of children from that period. These carefully sewn art works, often with symbols and alphabets, are inscribed with children’s names and ages, including one ‘Ann Duche, aged ten, 1769’ (Lot 124). They have been in the same South Devon family for generations and are expected to raise up to £1,000.
Social media came into action when Auctioneer Paul Keen reached out to identify the armorial crest on a pair of 18th century Chinese Qianlong plates (Lot 192). Shortly after posting an image of the plates on Twitter, an eagle eyed specialist spotted them and was able to advise that the coat of arms was Hardwicke, of Staffordshire. Furthermore, the Hardwicks had lived in North Staffordshire since the fourteenth century. William Hardwick of Darlaston, who died in 1727, left eight sons. The service was possibly made for Captain Peter Hardwicke, Earl of Lincoln, who was at Canton around 1765. These rare plates could make a few hundred at the auction.
Earlier in the year, we sold a William and Mary chest of drawers for over £5,000. Now another one has turned up! This time shipped over from France. With a lovely patine and inlay, the chest could make well over £2,000 (Lot 153).
The auction will be held on Wednesday 8th June. To browse the catalogue click here.
