O’REILLYS Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver Auction Timed Online Auction, Starts: Wed, 22nd Jun 2022 13:00

4 Novelty Silverware Novelty silver items are quirky humorous pieces, some are functional and serve a purpose while others were made purely for their novelty. They are often small pieces, and usually, they are in the form of an animal, a comical character, or an everyday object. Silversmiths began to make novelty silverware in the 19th century in a clever response to a sudden surge of newly wealthy upper-class citizens. It was an immediate success and the business of making novelty silver items lasted well into the 20th century.Tableware, such as condiment sets and cutlery often took on a fun and whimsical new appearances, and there would have been high competition to have the most enter taining piece to impress visiting guests. Lot 541 is a silver novelty wheelbarrow. It was probably used to hold bonbons (a very popular treat in the 19th and 20th centuries). Made in 1970 in Sheffield by F Drury Ltd, it is ornamental and novel. It demonstrates a high standard of craftsmanship in its elaborate open pierced decoration. Foliate swirls, floral motifs, and hatching patterns echo the theme of gardening. It is complete with a functional wheel at the front, so the bon bons could be passed along the table from one person to another in a humorous manner. Lot 541 TIMED ONLINE AUCTION OF FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES & SILVER • WEDNESDAY, 22nd JUNE 2022 AT 1PM