Fevered pre-sale interest in a rare large Victorian silver canteen of cutlery translated into impressive bidding at Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s latest antiques sale at the Somerset Salerooms, Junction 24, North Petherton.
The cutlery featured the ‘palm pattern’ by George Adams, which was first produced by Chawner & Co. Chawner was the most important manufacturer of spoons and forks in London and participated in the 1851 Great Exhibition and the 1862 International Exhibition. Their pattern book (c. 1875) is the reference for naming many of the patterns manufactured in the Victorian era.
George Adams married Mary Ann Chawner, daughter of William Chawner, the well-regarded silversmith.
Under George’s leadership the firm flourished and was regarded as the best producer of high-quality flatware in a range of intricate patterns.
Hallmarked London 1866 the extensive set with monogram and crest on offer at the Somerset Salerooms comfortably exceeded its guide-price.
The desirable lot sold for just shy of £10,000.
It comprised 24 table forks, 18 dessert forks, 18 serving spoons, 18 dessert spoons, 24 teaspoons, five condiment spoons, four toddy ladles, one large ladle, two large serving spoons, a sauce ladle, a sugar sifter spoon, sugar tongs and a butter knife.
In addition, it included examples of reproduction ‘palm pattern’ knives hallmarked London 1961 together with a period copy, flame mahogany fronted cabinet with fitted, felt lined trays to house all pieces of the canteen.
The lot had been consigned following a house call by the auctioneers in West Somerset.
Elsewhere in the sale a Victorian 18ct gold half hunter pocket watch, hallmarked Birmingham 1900 had attracted much pre-auction attention.
It sold for £2,300 which easily exceeded its pre-sale guide.
Demand for gold continues apace with a number of notable sale prices. An antique 9ct gold curb link bracelet, hallmarked Birmingham 1986 selling for £1,050.
A 9ct gold charm bracelet with seven 9ct gold charms went for £800. The same sum was achieved for a 15ct gold open curb link bracelet, while a 9ct gold curb link bracelet, hallmarked Birmingham 1908, sold for £740.
The next sale of jewellery, watches and silverware takes place on Thursday, September 4, from 10am.
For more details and to consign lots please contact the salerooms on 01278 410250.
Picture caption:
Desirable rarity – part of an extensive Victorian silver canteen of cutlery, which sold for just shy of £10,000 at the Somerset Salerooms, Junction 24, North Petherton.