Here’s something to raise a glass to – one of the finest and unique collections of English eighteenth century drinking glasses has been discovered in Lichfield.
The collection of over thirty glasses dating from as early as c.1730 up to the early nineteenth century is the stuff of every Auctioneer’s dream. The story started with a phone call to Richard Winterton Auctioneers from a client living on the south coast who had a number of boxes of glasses. Although not knowing what exactly was in the boxes, the client was advised to bring the boxes to the Lichfield Auction Centre for appraisal. Adrian Rathbone, (Fine Arts Associate) remembers his initial reaction:
‘There were about three old fashioned cardboard boxes containing what appeared to be newspapers dating from the 1950’s. Inside each crumpled sheet of newspaper was an immaculately preserved wine glass, mainly English from the mid eighteenth century, and a few as early as the 1730’s. I could not believe it; it was like Christmas to find such as well preserved collection. It is rare these days to discover an untouched collection with such sound provenance as this. The client contacted us as we have dedicated glass sales – from antique to modern designers to target this growing market’.
Notable examples from the collection include a gin glass dating from c.1730, a number of goblets dating from the 1750’s and pair of wines with multi-spiral air twist stems. Of particular historical interest is a pair of goblets/rummers dating form c.1805 engraved to commemorate Admiral Lord Nelson. The most important find is a pair of rare Jacobite wines dating from c.1760-1770. The 16cm high wines have bell bowls engraved with the Jacobite symbols of roses and moths and sit upon double opaque twist stems, (estimated to fetch £800-1,200).
There is a niche market of private collectors and trade buyers for antique drinking glasses, with some collecting for both pleasure and investment.
The collection is being offered for auction in Richard Winterton’s Fine Art & Collectors Sale in Lichfield on 3rd March. Final entries for this sale are being invited. Contact Richard Winterton Auctioneers for further details on 01543 251081 or email [email protected]
www.richardwinterton.co.uk
