Silver

The Silver Department of Gregory’s Auction House is dedicated to the selection, study and enhancement of a category that represents one of the most refined expressions of European applied art. In particular, technical mastery, intrinsic value and decorative function come together in objects of great charm and collecting importance.

First of all, the department’s activity is distinguished by a rigorous and multidisciplinary approach, which accompanies each work throughout every stage: from consignment and valuation to presentation and sale at auction. Indeed, each object undergoes careful analysis, including the study of hallmarks and workshop marks, which are essential for verifying its authenticity, provenance, date and quality. Furthermore, the execution techniques are assessed – from repoussé and chasing to engraving and casting – together with the condition, all essential elements in determining its historical and collecting value. Finally, the Auction House agrees a reserve price with the owner, defined according to the characteristics of the object and market dynamics, with the aim of protecting its value.

Likewise, alongside technical analysis, the department continuously monitors the market, maintaining an ongoing dialogue with collectors, enthusiasts and consignors. Consequently, it can provide professional valuations updated in line with developments in the national and international collecting market. In particular, within a constantly evolving sector, silver continues to occupy a prominent position thanks to an interest that especially rewards rarity, quality of workmanship, provenance and the recognisability of workshops.

Furthermore, the service provided by Gregory’s Auction House continues after the sale, with assistance throughout the stages following the auction: document management, shipping quotations, transport arrangements and support with export procedures. Indeed, thanks to collaboration with a network of specialised carriers, shipments can be organised worldwide. Overall, the Silver Department provides buyers and consignors with comprehensive and structured support at every stage.

The department presents a wide variety of antique and modern silver, from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century. In particular, the catalogues include important examples of Italian, Russian and English silverware, domestic and religious objects, and rare and valuable silver from private collections. As regards religious objects, furthermore, the department mainly handles icons with riza, as well as chalices, monstrances, reliquaries and crucifixes. In the field of domestic silverware, instead, the selection includes large cutlery services, candelabra, trays, tea and coffee services, together with decorative objects of particular quality.

Likewise, a distinctive feature of many of these objects is the richness of their decoration, capable of giving the pieces elegance, ornamental strength and collecting value. In particular, one of the department’s strengths is the high quality of the silver handled, often bearing the names of major silversmiths such as Stefani, the historic Bolognese silversmith.

Among the top lots, particular note should first be made of monumental and decorative silver, such as the large Austro-Hungarian silver centrepiece, sold for €28,520, and the important Fabergé silver epergne, also sold for €28,520. Furthermore, these were joined by a pair of silver baluster vases, sold for €26,400. Overall, these works express in exemplary fashion the technical quality and visual presence that characterise the department’s strongest results.

Furthermore, important services and accessories include the twelve silver underplates (€6,820), the Fiorentini silver service (€5,704), the Wolfers Frères tea and coffee service (€5,704) and a large silver tureen (€4,200). Consequently, these results confirm the market’s strong interest in objects capable of combining function, elegance and quality of execution.

Particularly significant is also the presence of works by contemporary Italian silversmiths, among whom Stefani stands out. For example, notable results include the “Ella” carafe, sold for €4,960, the pair of silver high reliefs (€4,080) and the Immaculate Madonna (€3,250). Overall, these works demonstrate the continuity of the Italian silversmithing tradition and its relevance on the market today.

Alongside these, excellent results have also been achieved for European silver for collecting and domestic use. In particular, these include the Laparra & Gabriel cutlery service (€5,500), the Fornezza underplates, the Ricci cutlery service and the Elkington decorative tray, together with more ornamental objects such as the silver sculpture “Knight in Armour”.

In summary, these results confirm the strength of the department and its ability to enhance different categories of silver within a dynamic, selective and constantly evolving market. Furthermore, the acquisition activity developed over time through enthusiasts, private collections and collectors has made it possible to build a national and international client base, offering consignors broad and qualified visibility. Finally, in this context, the participation of an increasingly global audience contributes to generating natural competition at auction and encouraging significant results.

Evaluation

Would you like to know the value of your artworks and explore their potential sale on the market?

Our experts are available to provide free and confidential valuations, whether for individual works or entire collections.

You will receive qualified advice and be guided through every stage of the sale process, whether at auction or through private negotiation, with a careful and personalised service.

Images and information regarding your artworks can be sent via:

• email or WeTransfer: aste@gregorysaste.it
• WhatsApp: +39 051 2960945

Auction Catalogues

Last Top Lots