SILVER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q.   I have inherited this dish and have always believed it to be silver as there are some stamped marks on the surface. Can you confirm whether it is silver and perhaps tell me a bid more about it?

A.   Your dish is a trefoil shaped dish which relates to the three divisions which would originally have been used for serving snacks, (although more likely to have been purely aesthetic). I can confirm that the marks are official hallmarks which mean it is solid silver and not plated. The marks tell me it was made by Elkingtons of Birmingham in 1906. It is a very pleasing piece of Arts and Crafts silver and the shamrock shape has been inspired by Celtic design, popular with fashionable silversmiths of the time. It also has a hammered surface which again was a popular device on the best pieces of Crafts silver. The tendril handle is reminiscent of the best silver of this period and was also favoured by the top silversmiths of the day such as C.R Ashbee and The Guild of Handicraft.

Arts and Crafts design in general is popular with buyers today and I would expect you dish to fetch £200-300 at auction. Buyer should look out for pieces stamped Liberty who were at the forefront as retailers of Arts and Crafts products.



Q.   I recently picked up this odd-looking object in a junk shop in the south. I only paid £15 for it. Can you date it for more and tell me if I had a good buy?

A.   Your have had an inspired buy. The odd-looking object you picked up does in fact have a functional purpose. First of all it is a type of plated ware known as electroplate and dates from around 1870. It is a spoon warmer, a device popular in middle class Victorian households. This is particularly interesting as it is a novelty example shaped as a conch shell. The flap lifts up to reveal a well for the warm water to be placed with a groove for the spoon handles to protrude. Possibly made by Walker & Hall, although it is unmarked.

Novelty and elaborate plated Victorian and Edwardian products are very collectable as they make good decorative pieces that can be displayed. Look out for table centrepieces modelled as palm trees with elephants. Your spoon warmer would have an auction value of £100-150.



Q.   My mother was presented with this lighter I think in the 1920’s. I know it is marked Dunhill and have been told it could be valuable? I have no need for it and would consider selling it.

A.   This is a very fine and highly desirable luxury item. Originally a gentleman’s outfitter, Alfred Dunhill of London still specialise in all kind of luxury objects many of which will become future collectables.

Although smoking itself is obviously discouraged today, it was all the rage in the swinging 1920’s heyday of cocktail parties. Today, there is a large market for vintage and antique smoking accessories. Dunhill produced the Rolls Royce of cigarette lighters including table lighters. Your Art Deco pocket example is made of Sterling silver with black enamel and has the added bonus of incorporating a miniature timepiece on a hinge. Although the enamel is slightly chipped in places, this is irrelevant as it is rare and was super gift to your mother. It would be unadvisable to use it today because collectors will pay many thousands of pounds to own it!



Free professional valuations for all silver, jewellery, antiques and collectables are held at our Salerooms and valuation office throughout the Midlands. Phone 01283 511224 for further information and to arrange home visits if you have large collections.