Sterling silver a big winner at forthcoming Melbourne auction
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 5th December, 2019
Sterling silver dating back the 1770s is a major drawcard at Kim’s Auctions final 2019 sale from 11am Sunday December 15 at 329 Warrigal Road, Burwood.
The late 18th century silver – a set of four George III candlesticks by London-based silversmith John Riley – came from the collection of 3rd Baronet Sir Framjee Dinshaw Maneckji Petit (1901-1983) and Lady Sylvia Dinshaw Petit and then by descent to the current owner.
A circa 1892 English Victorian aesthetic movement sterling silver and gilt tea and coffee service by London’s Walter & John Barnard is another important feature.
The service includes tea and coffee pots, a creamer and two-handled sugar vessel, each canted in rectangular form and decorated with bright cut parcel gilt scenes depicting cranes taking flight.
Aesthetic silver was popular in both Europe and America from 1870 when travel to the east first flourished.
Although made in England, this tea set was ordered by an Australian client as it still has its retail box from Drummonds – Victoria’s goldrush era pre-eminent silversmith and retail store.
Kept in its box for 130 years and barely used, the tea service is in mint condition. Today, partial gilding is a lost art and pieces such as these are highly sought.
An English Edwardian sterling silver and silver gilt figure punchbowl made in 1907 by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co, London, is another treasure.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, most Chinese silver was made primarily for export to Western countries.
Today, this silver is highly prized and appreciated and is sought by both Chinese and Western collectors.
This punchbowl is most unusual as it was made in England for the home market (English hallmarked Chinese motif silver is exceedingly rare) and its quality is exceptional.
Among the other auction attractions is a female ivory figure with gold robe and various quality antique French and English furniture pieces, including a three-door boulle display cabinet, and French and English porcelain vases.
A Chinese Tan dynasty (535BC-200BC) horse and rider is worth a second look and there is a range of art works by leading Australian painters including David Boyd, Hugh Sawrey and Pro Hart.
Kim’s Auctions welcomes all clients and auction goers to Christmas drinks and refreshments after the auction from 3pm to 7pm Sunday December 15 in its Warrigal Road rooms.
