An antique silver tankard discovered in Lichfield has just sold for a mouth-watering £4,000 at auction.
The tankard was identified by experts as a piece made during the reign of George I. 1716 to be precise. It is a very plain piece, free of any over-the top decoration which often appears on later antique silver. Comprising simple hinged domed lid with thumb piece, a sturdy scroll handle, (bearing owner’s initials ‘I.I.M’ and date 1726 to the terminal) and a plain tapered body with single band.
Silver tankards from the eighteenth century are not uncommon but what made this particularly desirable was that it was made in Exeter, possibly the work of Andrew Worth, a little known silversmith. Silver has been made in Exeter from c.1570 and ceased in 1882 making it very collectable, especially the early pieces.
It featured as Lot 456 in Richard Winterton’s two-day Auction this week, (26th/27th March) where it sold to a London based telephone bidder who fought off room and internet bidders to secure it.
The sale also included over one hundred Lots of medals and weapons to commemorate the anniversary of WWI. The highest single price was £1,500 bid for Lot 32, a WWII Distinguished Flying Cross.
Lot 675, a modern suite of diamond and sapphire jewellery also discovered on a valuation day in Lichfield totalled £6,000.
In the oriental ceramics and works of art section, Lot 705 a Japanese Meiji reticulated vase discovered amongst the contents of a deceased estate sold for £1,500.
In the European ceramics section, Lot 807 two rare Royal Doulton ‘Dickens’ busts sold to a collector for £1,500 and Lot 845, a rare Border Fine Arts limited edition figure group ‘Red Squirrels’ sold for £2,000.
Finally Lot 1177, a Foley fish pattern tea set designed by John Armstrong brought £650 from an internet bidder.
Free valuations for all manner of silver, jewellery, antiques and collectables are held Tuesdays 9.30am-4pm at The Lichfield Salerooms and most Mondays 2-4pm at The Trinity Centre, Sutton Coldfield. Home visits can be requested for large or multiple items.
Please phone Richard Winterton Auctioneers for further details on 01543 251081 or email [email protected] www.richardwinterton.co.uk
