Paul Storr silver collection to shine at Elstob’s

An outstanding collection of silver pieces by Paul Storr (1771-1844) – one of England’s most famous and talented silversmiths – will be a focal point of Yorkshire’s Elstob Auctioneers’ final sale of the year on December 6.

The pieces span the illustrious career of the renowned 19th century silversmith, whose work can be found in museums and private collections around the world, including at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, as well as in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

Featured in the sale are a number of stand-out items including an impressive George III silver soup tureen (dated 1809) valued at £10,000 to £15,000 and a set of four George III sauce tureens and covers from the early part of his career (1797), which are expected to reach between £4,000 and £6,000.

There are also single pieces of cutlery which would make perfect starter pieces or welcome additions to any collection, including a George IV table fork valued at £100-£150 and a George III basting spoon with a price estimate of £400-£600.

Storr’s reputation was built on his mastery of the grandiose neoclassical style developed during the Regency period and he received many commissions from Royalty and the English aristocracy, including a ‘Battle of the Nile’ cup presented to Lord Nelson in 1799.

“It is particularly exciting to have such a wide range of examples of Paul Storr’s work in our sale,” said David Elstob, Director of the Ripon-based auction house. “His work is of an exceptional quality that is rarely surpassed and this standard was sustained throughout his long career.”

The Paul Storr collection is just part of a dazzling array of silver that will be showcased at the December sale. Much more contemporary, is a stunning suite of silver candlesticks and centrepiece from the African designer Patrick Mavros dating from 2001. Featuring sandgrouse birds in various modes of animated flight, these highly intricate and detailed pieces carry a price estimate of £30,000-£40,000.

“These pieces are extremely eye-catching,” said David Elstob. “Realistically cast and embossed with high and low relief, each candlestick has an unusual square-form bark effect candle stem topped by a removable moss effect drip pan. The centrepiece is 31cm high and when arranged together the suite makes a substantial and impressive display.”

Also in the sale are a couple of Patrick Mavros silver sculptures of red-legged partridges, each with a guide price of £1,500-£2,500.

Founded in 1980, Patrick Mavros is a luxury brand of jewellery and collectibles from Africa that has built up an extensive global following. With a workshop base in Zimbabwe, the brand’s flagship store is in London with other locations in Kenya and Mauritius. As well as being noted for their superior designs, the company is also known for its wildlife conservation activities.

Elstob’s December Fine Art & Antiques Sale consists of over 800 lots which include many unique and valuable items. Other noteworthy items include a pair of Austrian silver-gilt, enamel, and rock crystal tazza in the form of a mermaid and merman estimated to reach £8,000-£12,000; a pair of 1930s Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson beds valued at £3,000-£4,000; and a Scottish landscape painting by Alfred De Breanski Senior (1852-1928) of mountains with Highland cattle in the foreground, with a price estimate of £6,000-£8,000.