Gold and silver box collection set to shine

A collection of gold and silver treasures compiled over a lifetime by a dedicated expert collector, with a keen eye for quality, is coming to auction this November at Kinghams in Gloucestershire. 

The Moreton-in-Marsh auctioneers will showcase the offering at their specialist Silver & Objects of Vertu sale on November 15. 

According to Associate Director Matthew Lafite: “This is a standout collection. Containing pieces of the finest quality and extreme rarity. The collector was active from the late 1980s and selected only the best pieces from top dealers at the time. Following some images being posted on social media, we have been fielding enquiries from interested parties in the UK, North America, Australia, and elsewhere.” 

The collection contains fine gold and silver boxes dating from the late 17th century – a time just after Oliver Cromwell, and extends through to the 19th century. Including early English silver spice boxes, snuff boxes, and unusual silver, and gold vinaigrettes. Examples of early English silver of this nature are rarely encountered outside museums. 

Matthew said: “Much of the collection was acquired directly from British Antique Dealers Association (BADA) members.  Only after careful consideration and assessment would the collector agree to purchase. The result of this is a collection of some fantastic, stand-out pieces. The likes of which are encountered only very seldom on the open market. Several of the boxes I have never seen another before – and that is in twenty years.” 

Highlights include a Queen Anne silver tobacco box (below), made by Richard Warren of Bristol circa 1710, formerly part of an exhibition celebrating the 75th anniversary of the BADA in 1993.  

A Charles II silver ‘rose’ patch box (below), made in London in 1678. Sought out by the collector, as English silver patch boxes at this period were only very seldom fully hallmarked. 

A silver spice box from circa 1690 (below), purchased by the collector in 1998. The cover is decorated with an allegorical scene depicting Cupid and a lion, engraved, Amour Triomphe de Tout (love conquers all), inspired by the painting Triumph of Love by Titian. 

“These items are treasures. They were amongst the best items made of their time. They remain treasures today. We are thrilled to be handling them, ” Mr. Lafite added. 

Kinghams Silver & Objects of Vertu sale will be held at the firm’s headquarters in Moreton-in-Marsh on November 15.