Why You Should Invest in Antique English Silver
At Regent Antiques, we specialise in antique English silver from many different periods such as Queen Anne, George III, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco.
Antique English silver has an intrinsic value that resides in the value of the precious metal itself, although this is generally far less than the value of the finished piece.
Silver has been widely used since ancient times for making an extensive range of domestic, religious and ceremonial objects. Silver can be shaped and decorated by craftsmen using an extraordinarily diverse range of techniques – from casting to chasing, embossing, engraving, gilding and piercing.
Properties and standards of antique English silver
Valued over the centuries for its rarity and attractiveness, sterling silver has been used for many precious objects expressing wealth and status. For this reason, marking systems were developed for guaranteeing the purity of the metal.
The English system is one of the oldest and most consistent. Since 1300, the legally required sterling standard has been 925 parts per thousand pure silver to 75 parts copper, which was originally marked with the leopard’s head. In 1544 the lion passant was introduced for sterling silver and the leopard’s head became the town mark for London. Makers marks became compulsory in 1363 with a third mark introduced in 1478 for identifying the assay master responsible for testing the quality. Finally, a fourth mark – the date letter – took the form of a letter of the alphabet for identifying the year the piece was made.
We feature products from leading and highly sought after makers. For example, we usually have in stock antique sterling silver tea sets, pots, dishes, candlesticks and many other items of antique silverware from renowned English silversmiths such as Paul Storr, Paul de Lamerie and Hester Bateman.
(An exquisite antique English silver-gilt chalice cup bearing the makers mark of the renowned silversmith Paul de Lamerie and hallmarks for London 1745).
Choosing your silverware
When buying antique English silver, you should always try to buy the best quality that you can afford, as an antique silver item of fine quality will always retain – if not increase – in value. Condition is the most important factor to take into account when buying: look out for holes, splits and cracks. At Regent Antiques, we always provide accurate descriptions and photographs of items on sale as well as a certificate of authenticity upon request so that you can be reassured of the quality of your objects.
Another important thing to remember is to buy what appeals to your taste. It also helps to specialise in a particular area, such as one maker, style, or type of object.
For example, drinking vessels such as tankards are increasingly popular with collectors today. By the 17th century, the most important type of tankard was drum-shaped on a flat, moulded base with a simple, stepped lid. To ensure you have an original piece in your hands, you should check that there is a full set of hallmarks on both the body and the lid.
(A rare antique sterling silver Queen Anne lidded tankard bearing the hallmarks for London 1703 along with the maker’s mark for Timothy Ley.)
Most certainly, cutlery remains among the most popular of antique silver categories today. Spoons, owned and valued by all classes of society, are among the earliest utilitarian silver to survive in any quantity. Forks were only used for sweetmeats or desserts until the late 17th century in Britain. It was not until the 18th century that matching sets of spoons, knives and forks were produced. Complete and original sets of flatware are rare and expensive, since individual pieces were often very heavily used and then replaced.
(A beautiful English 12-place settings, 127-piece sterling silver, cased canteen of cutlery, bearing the makers’ mark of Cooper Brothers & Sons and hallmarked for Sheffield 1978).
To sum up
From claret jugs to tea sets and biscuit barrels, fine antique English silver offers something really special for collectors. Stunning pieces – both large and small – from the simple to the highly ornate. Collecting antique English silver allows you to build an exquisite collection of special objects which are also a solid investment.
Timeless and beautiful, antique silver pieces never go out of fashion. They remain popular and highly sought after even when other collectible items – such as furniture and textiles – may rise and fall in popularity.
Here at Regent Antiques, we take pride in our superb selection of fine antique silver, and we are always on the lookout for very fine pieces to offer to our clients.
Browse our current stock of beautiful Antique Dining Tables.