Fine silverware by an important 18th century London maker – uncovered in a family home in Surrey – has sold for thousands of pounds at auction.
The tableware bearing the maker’s mark Crispin Fuller, 1795, soared to success in Hansons London’s July sale. It had been treasured through generations of the same family for more than two centuries.
Chris Kirkham, associate director of Hansons London, said: “I was astounding to find an entire silver tea service and cutlery, most by the same maker, on a house visit in Sunbury-on-Thames. It commanded a hammer total of £10,000 with some items doubling their guide price. Interest and bidding was intense.
“It’s remarkable to think this silver service has remained in its entirety with the same family since the reign of King George III who was on the British throne from 1760 to 1820. The silverware was dated 1795 so it had been passed down through the generations for 228 years.
“The vendor watched the auction live from Antarctica on his boat. Needless to say, the result warmed him up.”
The George III silver in neo-classical style included an oval salver which achieved £950 from a £500-£700 guide; a silver ewer which doubled its £300 estimate to make £690; a tea caddy which made £750 from a £300-£500 estimate, and a sugar bowl which was contested to £180, twice its £80-£120 estimate.
Bidders snapped up every piece of Crispin silver which also including a cruet set housed in a silver boat, £190, candle snuffer, £190, and tea pot, £230.
Crispin was a highly regarded 18th century London silversmith who entered his first mark on December 29, 1792. He learned his skills from an early age, becoming a silversmith apprentice at 14.
Chris said: “It’s heart-warming to see growing demand for high quality antique tableware by respected silversmiths. They spent their lives honing their skills to produce objects that look as beautiful today as the moment they were made. It was a crisp result for a sensational collection.”
The Crispin Fuller silver sold in the July 30 Hansons London sale.
Entries are invited until August 18 for the next Hansons London auction on August 26.
To arrange a free valuation or home visit, call Chris Kirkham on 07469 353077 or email [email protected].
