Private collections of silver star in the Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sale at Tennants, set to take place on 13th September. Notably, an interesting Private Collection of Caddy Spoons, offering over 110 spoons in 70 lots. The silver spoons are all English, and date from the 1780s to the 1990s. The small, ornate utensils were historically used for measuring and serving tea from a caddy and were at the height of their popular in 18th and 19th century Britain. Often crafted from silver, these spoons feature a wide range of decorative designs, including scallop shells, leaves, and intricate engravings. Highlights of the present collection include a George III Silver Caddy-Spoon, by Matthew Linwood, Birmingham, 1807, which has a scrolling snake-cast handle (estimate: £300-500 all figures exclude buyer’s premium), and a George III Silver Caddy-Spoon, by Joseph Taylor, Birmingham, 1797 in the form of a jockey’s cap (estimate: £300-500)
A group of important pieces of Arts and Crafts Silver from the Lion Collection will also be on offer. The Lion Collection was carefully curated by John L. Davis, who is renowned for his collections, all of which have been researched and published by the owner. The collection comprises a fascinating group of items, which offers fine pieces by some of the greatest makers and designers working in the first half of the 20th century. Highlights on offer include an Arts and Crafts Silver-Mounted Wood Mazer Bowl and Cover by Henry George Murphy (estimate: £2,000-3,000), and a George V Silver Beaker by the same silversmith (estimate: £2,000-3,000).
A good collection of over twenty lots of silver is to be Sold by Order of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers to Benefit the Fusiliers' Aid Society; highlights of which include an Edward VII Silver Tray, by Walker and Hall, Chester, 1907 with regimental badge engraved above an inscription dedicated to a Colonel Wyley on his retirement (estimate: £2,000-3,000). A further highlight of the silver section is a French Ruby-Set Gold Compact, by Cartier, offered with an estimate of £2,500-3,500.
The ‘Dirty Dozen’ is a name given to a group of twelve models of watches commissioned by the Ministry of Defence during the Second World War, custom built by twelve Swiss watchmakers. One of the ‘Dirty Dozen’ was made by Cyma, and an example of this circa 1944 Military Wristwatch will be offered in the sale with an estimate of £500-700. Amongst the other vintage watches in the sale is a 1959 Omega 9 Carat Gold ‘Honeycomb’ Finished Wristwatch (estimate: £200-300), and a Tissot model T12 Stainless Steel Chronograph from the 1970s (estimate: £300-400). Modern luxury watches in the sale include an interesting Anonimo Firenze Dual Time GMT in stainless steel (estimate: £400-600), and a 1990s Hublot MDM in Steel and Gold (estimate: £400-600).
A good selection of pocket watches is led by a 1927 Omega 18 Carat Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch (estimate: £1,000-1,500), a 17th Century Alarm Verge Pocket Watch signed Fonnereau A La Rochelle (estimate: £400-600), and a 14 Carat Gold Full Hunter Triple Calendar Moonphase Display Chronograph Repeater Pocket Watch made circa 1900 (estimate: £600-900). Also of note is a 1930s Art Deco Travelling Compendium by Le Coultre, complete with clock, barometer and thermometer in a leather case (estimate: £200-300).
A varied offering of affordable and wearable jewellery includes good period pieces alongside modern designer items. Amongst the interesting antique pieces is an Early 20th Century Suffragette Pendant on Chain, with amethyst, pearl and green enamel representing the suffragette colours (estimate: £200-300), a circa 1900 Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet (estimate: £600-800), an Early 20th Century Amethyst and Split Pearl Necklace (estimate: £200-300), and a Mid-Victorian Enamel and Garnet Brooch (estimate: £200-300). Moving into the 20th century, an 18 Carat White Gold Garnet and Diamond Cluster Ring is offered with an estimate of £600-800, and a Pair of Emerald and Diamond Cluster Earrings with an estimate of £400-600. Finally, amongst the more contemporary pieces is an 18 Carat Gold Necklace by Fope (estimate: £1,200-1,800), a Diamond Heart Brooch (£400-600), and an Amethyst and Diamond Ring (estimate: £400-600).
