Superb antique silver epergne to bring collectors running

A superb George III silver epergne, made in 1762 by London silversmiths Lewis Herne & Francis Butty, will undoubtedly bring silver collectors out of the woodwork when Kim’s Auctions offers its first item for sale from 11am Sunday November 15 at 329 Warrigal Road, Burwood.

The epergne has been engraved with the Durrant arms for Sir Thomas Durrant of Scottow – who in 1784 was created a baronet, the year he served as High Sheriff of Norfolk.

Sir Thomas died two years later and the epergne passed down through the family to his great grandson fourth baronet Sir Henry Josias Durrant (1838-1875).

Sir Henry left the epergne to his third daughter Adela Constance Alexandrina (died 1962) who married James Edward Shaw (died 1911) of Welburn Hall, Kirbymoorside and Scottow Hall, Norfolk, and it continued to pass down through the family to the present vendor.

The auction contains a collection of taxidermy animals including the giant bust of an African bull giraffe from Zimbabwe.

Rarely seen at auction, this piece would be ideal for a collector or corporate decorator looking to make a statement.

Other animals and birds on offer include an African warthog, gemsbok antelope, alpine chamois, peacock, scarlet macaw, mule deer and black coyote.

The art collection includes works by Pro Hart (The Lake 1963), Sidney Nolan (Central Australia – ripolin on paper), Hugh Sawrey (Outback Gathering), David Boyd (Playing with Cockatoo and Wombat) and john Olsen (Vervet Monkey 1994).

One of the other auction highlights is a rare large Japanese late Edo period (1603-1868) bronze in bass relief of an elephant herd.