Fine Jewellery, Watches, Silver & Coins Auction

The 18th century saw a rise in popularity of using tea sets; before this, there was no real need for them as people would have drunk their tea black, without any milk or sugar. Over time, the look of tea sets and cutlery have changed with the fashion of the period. Here we will look at four different examples of decorative silver tableware. Lot 544 is a George III Irish silver sugar bowl engraved with a farmyard scene, raised on three hoof feet from Dublin 1774 by Charles Townsend. Georgian silver reflects the reign of four consecutive King Georges from 1714 - 1820, and so the style changes frequently within this style period. This lot from 1774 is ornamented with flowers and foliage, and is slightly ahead of its time as it tells a rural narrative with a figure carrying s bucket on his head to his farmhouse, along with his bull relaxing in the grass. Silver tableware became extremely popular during the time of Queen Victoria, as she was an avid tea drinker and encouraged the use of proper tea sets.The silver of this period was highly ornamented and is reflected in lot 533, a gilt and silver embossed bowl. The small bowl is decorated with scrolls, flowers, and foliage, as is consistent withVictorian period silver ; with an added touch of flair in the gilt interior. This ornate and flamboyant style of silver did not last long as it soon returned to a simpler form, with function preceding over fashion. Pre-war silver, as is seen in the christening jug of lot 531. During this period silver was not highly decorated, with the metal itself taking centre stage rather than being covered with reliefs and motifs. The jug has hard lines, a nod towards the following ar t deco period, and is a simply constructed form to perform a job rather than be a decorative piece in itself. Ar t Nouveau and Ar t Deco followed with emphasis on floral, feminine lines, and geometric shapes, but we once again returned to simpler styles and approaches to 10 Silver Styles O V E R T I M E LIVE AUCTION OF FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES, SILVER & COINS • WEDNESDAY, 24th MAY 2023 AT 12PM