London, November 2024

Roseberys Brings Two Private Silver Collections to Auction, Including Boston Tea Party-Era Teaspoons

12 November 2024

Auction date: Wednesday 27 November

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Roseberys' November Silver auction is headlined by two private collections: one featuring antique silverware and the other a rare selection of Georgian picture-back teaspoons, including a lot of ‘Teapot’ backs which may have links to the Boston Tea Party.

The first private collection (Lots 37-128) comprises over ninety pieces of exceptional Queen Anne, Georgian, Victorian, and later silverware. It includes notable works by acclaimed silversmiths such as Paul Storr, John Bridge of Rundell, Bridge and Rundell, and Paul Crespin, making it a true celebration of British antique silver craftsmanship.

Lot 37: A Queen Anne Britannia silver footed salver. Alice Sheene, London, 1712. Estimate: £1,000 - £2,000

The second private collection centres on Georgian picture-back teaspoons, featuring intricate designs seldom seen on the market. Among the highlights is Lot 300—a rare set of ‘Teapot’ picture-back teaspoons, which may have historical links to the Boston Tea Party of 1773. This act of protest saw tea dumped into the Boston Harbor as a stand against British taxation, and the "teapot" design on these spoons likely signified support for Britain during the early years of the American War of Independence. Purchased at Christie’s in 2006, this set carries an estimate of £1,500-£2,500.

Lot 300: A rare set of six George III silver 'Teapot' picture-back teaspoons. Charles Hougham, London, c. 1775. Estimate: £1,500 - £2,500

Other notable lots include Lot 19, a silver-plated stuffing spoon associated with Grace Darling, the heroic lighthouse keeper’s daughter celebrated for her daring 1838 rescue of shipwrecked sailors. This silver-plated stuffing spoon appears to be the only one recorded outside the Grace Darling museum in Alnmouth.

Lot 19: Of maritime interest. A silver plated stuffing spoon relating to Grace Darling's daring rescue mission, c. 1836. Estimate: £200 - £300

Roseberys will further offer a selection of contemporary silver pieces, including a silver bowl by Ndidi Ekubia (Lot 15) and Patrick Mavros designs, such as a candelabra styled as an Acacia tree and two giraffe sculptures. The sale also includes a diverse range silverware from countries including Russia, Ethiopia, France, and Persia (Iran).

Lot 15: A Contemporary silver bowl. Ndidi Ekubia, London, 2009. Estimate: £600 - £800.

This auction is an exceptional opportunity to acquire unique and historically rich pieces, especially with the inclusion of two remarkable private collections. We have previously seen strong results for Georgian silver at Roseberys and expect significant interest in this sale from both seasoned and emerging collectors.

Georgina Agnew, Head of Silver, Roseberys

Lots 10, 11 & 12: Patrick Mavros, Zimbabwe, 21st Century.

ENDS

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For media enquiries please contact: aliciaglenn@roseberys.co.uk

About Roseberys:

Operating in London for more than 30 years, Roseberys Fine Art Auctioneers is a privately owned specialist fine art and antiques auction house and valuers, located in the heart of South London.

The team of world renowned experts and consultants offer both buyers and sellers a range of specialist art market services and a calendar of over 30 specialist auctions a year covering all areas of Asian Arts, Islamic & Indian Art, Jewellery & Watches, Old Master, 18th & 19th Century Art, Modern British & Contemporary British Art, Urban & Contemporary Prints & Multiples, 20th Century Art & Design, Impressionist, Modern, Post War & Contemporary Art and Decorative Arts, Fine & Decorative sales including Silver, Ceramics, Works of Art and Furniture.

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