A family clearing out their mother's home in Edinburgh made an extraordinary discovery: a treasure trove of antique silver hidden in the attic for nearly a century. The collection of more than 100 pieces of British and continental silver, dating from the early 18th to the early 20th centuries, sold for nearly £60,000 at auction.
Unexpected Discovery in the Attic
The family, who wish to remain anonymous, stumbled upon the items tucked away in dusty chests while preparing to sell their New Town property. The silverware had been stored untouched across generations, and the family had no knowledge of either its existence or significance.
A spokesperson for the Edinburgh family commented: "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."
Auction Results Exceed Expectations
The collection went under the hammer at Elmwood's auction house in London, where initial estimates suggested it would fetch approximately £23,000. However, the final hammer price reached £59,761, including a 25% buyer's premium for the auction house. The star lot was Lot 15 – an exquisite set of Danish vintage cutlery, which commanded £5,200.
Joe Kendrick, head of sale at Elmwood's auctioneers, said: "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."
Family History and Provenance
The family previously revealed they stumbled upon the treasure trove while sorting through their mother's property, which has remained in the family for generations. Various relatives are believed to have contributed to the collection over the years, though awareness of its existence had diminished in recent decades.
Kendrick added: "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."
The family spokesperson concluded: "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."
