As our society has continued to develop and grow, we have become more accustomed to continuously buying and replacing items in quick succession. This is partly due to items no longer being made to the same quality they once were, being mass-produced with cheaper materials. This is partly to satisfy the greater demand created by people having more disposable income. On the whole, we are a consumer society.
This is not to say this is a modern occurrence; the difference is the volume and pace at which it happens. Previously, items were generally of better quality with the intention that they would last a long time, as is the saying ‘quality over quantity’. This is particularly evident in silver pieces, from general household items such as silver spoons to silver inkwells and pin cushions.
The quality of these types of items is evident in the fact that we still have many pieces that are over a hundred years old and still in good condition. While how they’ve been cared for does impact this, as a whole, the pieces have withstood this time while being used somewhat consistently, whereas today, pieces are usually accepted to break within a year or so, with guarantees not surpassing ten years at most.
While many may not require a silver tea set or letter opener, plenty of items, such as cutlery, photograph frames, and vanity wear, would be suitable for everyday use. Although it may seem overzealous to have such things, to many, investing in quality items that will withstand the tests of time and can be relied on for generations is much more economical and also environmentally friendly than constantly re-purchasing items. Purchasing second-hand items further increases the economic and environmental benefits.
Below are the top sellers from our Antique and Vintage Silver and Silver Plate auction, which ended on November 3rd, 2024.
A Victorian oak canteen, of hinged rectangular form with brass carrying handles to each side, opening to reveal a silver twelve piece Hanoverian bead thread pattern setting, with 'PAE' monogram to terminals, along with various utensils including grape scissors, ladle, and sugar tongs, marks for London 1896, maker Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd, 5104g gross silver
A cased Victorian silver communion set, comprising two chalices, two patens and claret jug, the chalices having slightly flared rims raised on knopped stems and circular feet, with 'SIH' monogram engraved, the patens of plain design and the jug of traditional form, having heart shaped spout and further heart decoration to the scroll handle, same engraved 'SIH' monogram to the body raised on a circular step moulded foot, marks for Sheffield 1898, maker John Round & Son Ltd, 2690g gross
A large and impressive Victorian silver salver, of circular form having a bead thread rim with embossed and engraved conforming pattern to the sides with further ornate engraving to the plate with a central engraving of 'Presented to the Rev.d R Gardner Smith as a token of affection & esteem by his sincere friends at St. Marks Bradford March 1878', raised on four scroll feet, marks for Sheffield 1876, maker William & Henry Stratford, 1756g gross
An impressive George III silver fruit bowl, of lobed rectangular form having an embossed floral scroll and gadrooned rim and matching handles, with further embossed scroll and floral work to the body, along with a fish scale motif, with an engraved coat of arms to the centre, raised on a moulded foot, marks for London 1798, rubbed makers mark, 43cm x 24.5cm x 13.5cm, 1314g
