A collection of antique silver items discovered by chance in an Edinburgh family's attic has sold for nearly £60,000 at auction, far exceeding pre-sale expectations.
Discovery and Auction Details
More than 100 pieces of British and continental silver, dating from the early 18th to the early 20th centuries, were found by the family as they prepared to sell a home in Edinburgh's New Town. The items were packed away in dusty chests and had been untouched for generations. The family, who wish to remain anonymous, were completely unaware of the collection's existence or significance.
The collection was put up for auction at Elmwood's auction house in London, where it was expected to fetch around £23,000. However, it ultimately sold for £59,761. The most expensive single lot was Lot 15, a set of fine Danish vintage cutlery, which sold for £5,200.
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 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. 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.”
Background and Significance
The family made the discovery while clearing out their mother's home, which had been with the same family for generations. Different members of the family are thought to have added to the collection over the years, but knowledge of it faded in recent times. The silverware had been packed away for the best part of a century, and the family had no idea of its value.
