Book collection of Birmingham silver and antiques expert Michael Baggott goes to auction in Lichfield

A 'treasure trove of knowledge'

THE book collection of silver and antiques expert Michael Baggott is going to auction in Lichfield with a special timed sale over Christmas.

Catalogued across more than 150 lots, the library is a treasure trove of knowledge on 500 years of silver, silversmiths and hallmarks, with other rare tomes covering master goldsmiths, jewellery, coins, watches, glass, ceramics and furniture in depth.

The collection goes on sale with Richard Winterton Auctioneers from 10am on Monday, December 22, via bid.richardwinterton.co.uk, closing from 12pm on Friday, January 2.

Viewing takes place by appointment at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park.

Mr Baggott, who appeared on the former BBC daytime series Flog It!, died in January 2025 aged 51 of a heart attack following a stroke in October.

The expert himself wrote a number of books on silver and antiques and his presence on social media was generous in sharing his knowledge of the field.

“Michael was a good a friend and a wonderfully warm man and a master of the world of silver and antiques,” said auctioneer Richard Winterton.

“It was a privilege to have known him and when sought his help was always generously given to all.

“Michael really was a font of knowledge and his library reflects that – it is a treasure trove of information on silver and antiques ranging from Elizabethan times to the 20th century.

“These are the books which buoyed Michael’s incredible encyclopaedic prowess and I think he would be delighted that his personal copies will go on to inspire and inform other experts and passionate enthusiasts alike.”

Highlights include volumes one, two and three of Silver Spoons And Hallmarks by Commander George Evelyn Paget How in collaboration with Jane Penrice How, privately printed London 1957.

Another lot features all three volumes of British And Continental Gold And Silver In The Ashmolean Museum by Timothy Schroder.

Other specialist works include a book dedicated to nutmeg graters, pomanders and spice boxes, with others focussing on miniatures, English porcelain especially Worcester, the designs of William de Morgan, and Lalique.

There are directories of gold and silversmiths plus yearbooks, journals and catalogues.

Other topics covered include silver plate, domestic metalwork, German goldsmiths, British, Irish, Scottish, Continental and American silver, French master goldsmiths, Art Nouveau jewellery, virtuoso goldsmiths from 1540 to 1620, Irish Georgian silver, Japanese and Chinese ceramics, lacquer art, prints, rugs, okimonos, and French furniture.

Born in Birmingham, much-loved Mr Baggott’s interest in antiques began at a tender age and he made his first purchase of a Chester silver Vesta case costing £22 whilst still at school.

He went on to work at Christie's and then Sotheby’s before becoming a private consultant in antique silver.

Mr Baggott’s collection of antique furniture sold with Richard Winterton Auctioneers earlier in December.

Highlights included a George I style burr veneer chest on chest, selling at £3,200, and a 17th or 18th century Dutch burr walnut cushion mirror at £1,250.

The catalogue for the online sale of Mr Baggott’s books goes live at 10am on Monday, December 22, on bid.richardwinterton.co.uk and closes from 12pm on Friday, January 2.

Viewing takes place by appointment at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park.

To book, or for more information on valuations or home visits for large collections or house clearances, telephone 01543 251081 or email office@richardwinterton.co.uk.

The Lichfield Auction Centre closes for Christmas at 5pm on Tuesday 23rd December and reopens at 9am on Friday 2nd January 2026. We are also closed on Friday 19th December.