An Edinburgh family made an extraordinary discovery while clearing out their family home, finding a collection of antique silver items that sold for nearly £60,000 at auction. The 100-plus pieces of British and continental silver, dating from the early 18th to the early 20th centuries, were uncovered inside dusty chests in the attic of a property in the city's New Town district.
Discovery and Auction Results
The family, who wish to remain anonymous, found the silver as they prepared to sell the home. The collection had lain untouched for nearly a century. It was auctioned by Elmwood's auction house in London, where it was expected to fetch around £23,000. However, it ultimately sold for £59,761, including a 25% buyer's premium.
Standout Piece
The top lot was a set of Danish vintage cutlery, which sold for £5,200. A family spokesman 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."
Provenance and History
The family revealed the find was made while clearing their mother's home, a property that had been in the family for generations. Various family members contributed to the collection over the years, but knowledge of its existence had faded. Joe Kendrick, head of sale at Elmwood's, 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."
Global Interest
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."
