Sterling silver among worthy auction pieces

Several quality sterling silver pieces are among items to be auctioned by Kim’s Auctions from 11am Sunday August at 1 Gardiner Road, Hawthorn.

One of the items is an 1833 William IV cup with cover (lot 312) – on display with an 1868 Charles Stuart Harris of London five piece Teniers style tea set and tray (lot 313) and a 1900 rose bowl by Mappin & Webb (lot 314).

Of great interest to auction goers no doubt will be lot 216 – a Scottish sterling silver freedom casket made in 1873 by the Glasgow firm of Muirhead & Arthur.

Illuminated are the words “Freedom of the City and Royal Burgh of Glasgow to the Right Honourable Robert Lowe Chancellor of Her Majesty’s Exchequer”.

Lowe (1811-1892) was the First Viscount Sherbrooke and held the Chancellor’s position under Prime Minister William Gladstone from 1866 to 1873. He then spent two years as the government’s Home Secretary.

Auctioneer Kim Haolin said the house has been sold and the vendor has instructed that all contents must be sold.  

The auction features several paintings and prints by well-known Australian and international artists including four Picassos, David Boyd, Sidney Nolan and Pro Hart.

There is a rare 1^st or 2^nd century Kushan period gold pendant (lot 118) from northern India/modern day Pakistan and a pair of Chinese Tang Dynasty (618-906AD) Lokapala figures (lot 160) on offer.

Among the other attractions is an extensive Spode dinner setting, an English rosewood dining table and six matching chairs and a three-door French boulle ormolu mounted display cabinet (lot 373).

Jewellery is another auction highlight, in particular a white gold emerald and diamond setting (lot 58) featuring two pairs of earrings, one ring and a necklace.