Silver & Silver-plated items

Dressing table sets are among the most frequently surviving elements of late 17th century hollowware.

With the scrap price of silver at such a high level the sad truth is that many items will end up in the melting pot.

Two examples of substantial model presentation cannon came up at different salerooms recently.

Offered by Thomas Miller (24% buyer’s premium) in Newcastle was a large silver medal struck to mark the maiden voyage of the SS Normandie from Le Havre to New York on May 29, 1935. She took the Blue Riband at the first attempt.

Silver works by Sir Bache Cunard, Bt (1851-1925), legendary huntsman and scion of the Cunard shipping family, are incredibly rare – he presumably made items only for his family and friends.

Recent research is revealing the importance of the markings on Chinese export silver

Despite his pioneering aesthetic, many of Christopher Dresser’s designs were too complex and costly to be easily mass-produced.

Silver coffee pot with royal connection is just one of the many highlights at the Berkeley Square fair

A selection of upcoming lots focusing on stand-out items from two key design movements

Relatively little is known about the German-born artist and designer Elsa Tennhardt (1899-1980).

Pulling out a suitcase from under a bed during a probate valuation, Dawsons’ valuer could scarcely have guessed what they would find hidden inside.

Our selection of lots from ten upcoming auctions

Whether it is a collection accumulated by a family often over generations or amassed through the efforts of an individual, such sales can deliver big results - especially now for regional auction houses winning consignments

A set of six rare Scottish provincial silver trefid spoons dating from c.1686 were not only among the earliest Glasgow-made spoons recorded, but also appeared to be the only extant work by the goldsmith George Luke.