There was a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase a pair of superbly preserved solid silver dishes that were made before the Great Fire of London at the recent Jewellery, Silver and Watches Sale.
The pair of Charles II silver sideboard dishes which had been given a conservative estimate of £8,000-£12,000, were part of a superb collection of silver coming to auction for the first time from a private collection.
Dated 1661 – five years before the Great Fire of London – and each nearly two feet in diameter, the outers of the circular-shaped dishes are lavishly decorated with depictions of pastoral scenes and the slightly dished centres have beautifully engraved Coats of Arms.
Expected to be the stand out silver item in the sale, the pair didn't disappoint and were sold for £11,000.
Steven Collins, head of jewellery, silver and watches at Cheffins Fine Art, said: “This was a truly outstanding item demonstrating great age, rarity and provenance.”