Heritage Auctions posts solid results for fine silver items

fine silver

Yossi Swed partial gilt silver ship-form menorah with display case, 1992-93. Price realized: $30,000. Heritage Auctions image

DALLAS – Heritage Auctions Fine Silver & Objects of Vertu sales totaled more than $1.4 million in 2018. Bidders pursued a Yossi Swed partial gilt silver ship-form menorah with display case until it closed at $30,000 to claim top-lot honors in an Oct. 15 auction. Whimsy and surprises abound as elaborate mechanical workings turn the ship into a centerpiece for the Hanukkah celebration. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.

Two pairs of silver candelabra by Danish silver manufacturer Georg Jensen in the Pomegranate pattern prompted multiple bids. One finished at $15,000, while the post-1945 example brought $12,500.

fine silver

Pair of Georg Jensen Pomegranate Pattern silver two-light candelabra, Copenhagen, Denmark, designed 1919, manufactured 1925-1932. Price realized: $15,000. Heritage Auctions image

Frenzied bidding by nearly two dozen clients sparked a surge of interest in a pair of Tane Orfebres partial gilt silver five-light figural candelabra, Mexico City, circa 1950, which crushed the estimate of $800-$1,200 to close at $11,562.50. From the estate of Colletta Ray McMillian in Houston, the pair features four leafed arms emerging from a standard of intertwining dolphins on a rectangular fluted base with gilt foliate detail and scrolled feet.

fine silver

Pair of Tane Orfebres partial gilt silver five-light figural candelabra, Mexico City, circa 1950. Price realized: $11,562.50. Heritage Auctions image

Multiple bidders chased a two-piece Gorham Narragansett pattern silver salad serving set, designed in 1878 until it doubled its high estimate, closing at $30,000 to lead the April 25 auction that totaled $666,608. Measuring 11¼ inches long, the fork and spoon set, with shell-form bowl and tines is densely applied with sea kale, shells, crabs and other aquatic motifs.

“We have been fortunate to see extraordinary works in silver this year, and to have clients seeking this level of design and craftsmanship,” said Karen Rigdon, Heritage Auctions director of Fine Silver & Objects of Vertu. “The success of these auctions makes us very optimistic about the future of silver and vertu at Heritage Auctions.”

Other top lots in the October auction included:

– A large Japanese Export silver figural dragon coffeepot, possibly by the Konoike workshop, Meiji Period, circa 1868-1912: $10,625.

fine silver

Japanese Export silver dragon coffee pot, Meiji Period. Price realized: $10,625. Heritage Auctions image

– A Gorham Mfg. Co. Aesthetic Movement partial gilt silver and mixed metals cup with applied decoration, Providence, Rhode Island, 1882: $10,000.

fine silver

Gorham Aesthetic Movement partial gilt silver and mixed metals cup, 1882. Price realized: $10,000. Heritage Auctions image

– A Russian silver loving cup with the original fitted case, 1st Silver and Gilding Artel, St. Petersburg, 1909-1913, retailed by Fabergé: $10,000.

fine silver

Russian silver loving cup, St. Petersburg, 1909-1913, retailed by Faberge. Price realized: $10,000. Heritage Auctions image

– An 86-piece Georg Jensen Bernadotte pattern silver flatware service for 12, Copenhagen, Denmark, designed 1939, manufactured post-1945: $10,000.