A collection of antique silver items discovered by chance in an Edinburgh family's attic has sold for nearly £60,000 at auction, surpassing pre-sale estimates by more than double. The 100-plus pieces of British and continental silver, dating from the early 18th to early 20th centuries, were found inside dusty chests as the family prepared to sell their home in the city's New Town.
Discovery and Auction Details
The family, who wish to remain anonymous, uncovered the silverware while clearing out their mother's home, which had been in the same family for generations. The items had been packed away for almost a century, with knowledge of the collection fading over time. The collection was consigned to Elmwood's auction house in London, where it was expected to fetch around £23,000. However, it ultimately sold for £59,761.
The most valuable lot was Lot 15, a set of fine Danish vintage cutlery, which sold for £5,200. Other notable pieces included a silver tankard by Moscow silversmith Nikolai Pavlov, dating from 1882 to 1898, and a Victorian sterling silver traveling shaving brush made in London in 1867 by Frances Douglas.
Family and Auctioneer Reactions
A spokesman for the Edinburgh family said: “We’re thrilled with the outcome and completely overwhelmed by the response to the collection. What began as an unexpected discovery while clearing the family home has turned into an extraordinary journey. It’s wonderful to know these pieces, which lay hidden for so many decades, have found new homes with people who will appreciate their history and craftsmanship.”
Joe Kendrick, head of sale at Elmwood’s, commented: “We knew this was a special collection from the moment we first examined the pieces from the chests, but today’s result exceeded even our expectations. Achieving £59,761 against a pre-sale estimate of £23,000 demonstrates the enduring appeal of fresh-to-market collections with exceptional provenance. Bidders responded not only to the quality and rarity of the silver, but also to the remarkable story behind its discovery after almost a century hidden away in an Edinburgh attic. It has been a privilege to bring these pieces back into the public eye and to see them begin a new chapter with collectors around the world.”
