SILVER & OBJECTS OF VERTU

With the coronation of King Charles III fast approaching, we are thrilled to include in our next sale of Silver & Objects of Vertu a rare item in keeping with the times, a silver-gilt George II coronation canopy bell. Only a small group of coronation bells survive today, originally made to embellish the canopy held by the Barons of the Cinque Ports above the sovereign during their coronation. One bell was the prerequisite of each bearer, and this example is particularly significant, as it has come to the present owner by descent from the Hon. George Berkeley, canopy bearer for George II as M.P. for Dover.

The Silver department has had the privilege of selling a number of important early silver spoons in recent years, and the April sale is no exception. A particular feature of the sale is a private collection of fifteen lots, almost unique in featuring an example from the reign of every Tudor monarch. Notable lots include a Henry VII Wrythen Knop spoon originally from the Staniforth Collection, once the earliest dated spoon known, and a pair of Henry VII Apostle spoons from the first recorded set to bear full London hallmarks.

We are also pleased to include a hundred and twenty lots from the collection of the late Barry Lock. A connoisseur of fine silver, Lock was not just a passionate collector but also a keen enthusiast of aristocratic history, conducting research into the distinguished past of many of his items. Amongst these, is a marvellous silver-gilt trophy ewer, The Wellington Cup, bearing a presentation inscription to Lord Rous and hallmarks for John Houle, London 1815.

The upcoming sale will also showcase a number of further private collections, one including a prized group of silver and old Sheffield plate argyles. Other highlights include, a beautiful bowl by renowned Arts & Crafts silversmith Gilbert Marks, with embossed daffodils and hammered decoration and a

Rupert Slingsby +44 (0)1722 424501 rs@woolleyandwallis.co.uk

Lucy Chalmers +44 (0)1722 424594 lc@woolleyandwallis.co.uk

A rare silver-gilt

Estimate

Above right:

A rare and important pair of Henry VII silver Apostle Spoons, St. Simon Zelotes and possibly St. Phillip, maker’s mark of a device known as a Gothic L, London 1490, length 18.2cm and 18cm

Estimate £30,000–40,000

Below Lot 1636

A late 19th century diamond parure, comprising a necklace, earrings, a stomacher and a brooch Estimate £50,000–70,000

Below top:

An 8th century Caucasian/Bulgarian bronze buckle from the collection of Adolphe Stoclet

Estimate £1,000–2,000

Below:

Ethel Lady Inchiquin dressed probably for the House of Lords or even The Coronation of King Edward VII in 1902. She is wearing the parure (lot 1636) with the exception of the earrings, and the emerald and diamond centrepiece (lot 1637) worn as a brooch centrally pinned to her dress

Below right: Lot 1637

A suberb emerald and diamond bangle, the emerald weighing 5.66cts, with SSEF certification, Colombian, no oil

Estimate £60,000–80,000