Antique Silver Collection Discovered in Edinburgh Attic
A collection of antique silver items, discovered by chance in a family's attic in Edinburgh, has sold for nearly £60,000 at auction.
More than 100 silver pieces, dating from the early 1700s to the early 1900s, were expected to fetch up to £23,000 when offered for sale at Elmwood's auctioneers in London.
Members of the selling family, who wish to remain anonymous, found the items inside dusty chests, having been stored away for almost a century.
"We're thrilled with the outcome and completely overwhelmed by the response to the collection."
They added,
"What began as an unexpected discovery while clearing the family home has turned into an extraordinary journey.
It's wonderful to know these pieces, which lay hidden for so many decades, have found new homes with people who will appreciate their history and craftsmanship."
The family had previously stated that the discovery was made while clearing out their mother's home, which has been in the same family for generations.
Different family members are believed to have added to the collection over the years, but knowledge of it diminished in recent times.
Details of the Collection
The objects, which sold for a total of £59,761, include a Victorian travelling shaving brush by pioneering silversmith Frances Douglas, an Imperial Russian tankard, and an Edwardian silver jewellery box crafted in Chester in 1908.
The collection was discovered carefully packed inside several dust-covered wooden chests and wrapped in old newspapers and linen.
Other items included tea services, candlesticks, salvers, and presentation pieces.
One notable item is an Imperial Russian silver tankard by the Moscow silversmith Nikolai Pavlov, dating from between 1882 and 1898.
A Victorian sterling silver travelling shaving brush, made in London in 1867 by Frances Douglas, was also part of the collection.
Auction and Expert Commentary
Joe Kendrick, head of sale at Elmwood's auctioneers, commented on the sale:
"We knew this was a special collection from the moment we first examined the pieces from the chests, but today's result exceeded even our expectations.
Achieving £59,761 against a pre-sale estimate of £23,000 demonstrates the enduring appeal of fresh-to-market collections with exceptional provenance.
Bidders responded not only to the quality and rarity of the silver, but also to the remarkable story behind its discovery after almost a century hidden away in an Edinburgh attic.
It has been a privilege to bring these pieces back into the public eye and to see them begin a new chapter with collectors around the world."
Among the collection was also an early 20th Century silver spy glass, signed by Ramsden of London.
