Collector’s Corner

With Daryl Kriel, from Kensington Bond

I inherited this quaint little silver pot, but I am not sure what it is meant to be used for and is it worth anything? - Sylvia

Daryl answers:

Your “little silver pot” is a brandy warming pan made by Peter and William Bateman in 1810, sons of Hester Bateman (1708 – 1794) who was probably the most famous female silversmith in the U.K. It would fetch between R3000 and R4000 on auction.

Silver is a brilliant metal that is (second only to gold) the most malleable and ductile metal. For an artist it can be hammered, worked, shaped, stretched, beaten and cast. The metal is least reactive and has been suitable for most domestic needs since the 12th century. Silver in its pure form is too soft for normal use, and has to be alloyed to give it some strength. Over time, a system of marks were developed to ascertain the quality and identify the silversmiths who had made the items.

Early silver items are highly sought-after by collectors all over the world, and if the maker is famous, the items can fetch as much as their weight value in gold. Silver has been used for currency, jewellery, tableware and to make beautiful artworks for centuries.

There are collectors all over the world willing to pay huge prices for special pieces.

If you would like to date, value or sell your silver, please call Daryl at Kensington Bond on 082 297 1117.

DBN/Highway