Silver Knowledge

[Sharni]

Dunno if anyone here can help me out with this

I inherited a piece of silver (a tea caddy i think it is) from my Grandmother many years ago....It has exceptional sentimental value and have no desire to sell it....but am wondering if anyone can give me an idea on value for insurance purposes (it may not be worth anything, I'm unsure)

I just figured with the vast amount of people on here, and the varied interests someone maybe able to help

Any input would be greatly appreciated

Follwing is some pics of the piece

[Sharni]

:p

[Sharni]

:)

[Sharni]

:D

[jennaflower]

makes me wonder if there is an antique road show site... I think that is where I would look... OR... maybe surf ebay a bit.. that might give you a better idea.. sure wish I had a guess for you...

tho.. as I am certain you already know... the sentimental value makes it priceless :)

[jennaflower]

after doing a little searching.. it would seem that there is alot of history in the Ashberry & Sons of Sheffield... lots of their items have been donated to the local museum...

[jennaflower]

thought you might find these links interesting Sharni... none of them are even close to being as extravigant as yours...

http://www.bryandouglas.co.uk/silverware/tea_caddy_boxes/tea_caddy_boxes.htm

http://www.chancerylane.com/oldshefframe.html

[Sharni]

Thank you Jenna...i didn't know about the donating to museum part....very interesting!

There are a couple of Antique Roadshow sites....but they do not do appraisals online....you must actually go to a show...as none of them are in Oz...i'd say thats out of the question*L*

I have search with a number of search engines and have found quite a bit about Ashberry & Sons.....one site said that they did not make many tea caddies...so finding any information on this specific piece is going to be difficult i'd say

But i'll keep looking....ya just never know when you'll hit the right one

[Santiago]

OOO SHINY!!!


Ill give you 3 spoons(plastic) and 75 cents for it!

:D

[Oldfart]

Plastic spoons? Three? Is there no end to your richness?

Sharni, print off the pics of the caddy and go to an antique

dealer.

Tell them you want to buy it but you're not sure of the $850

price tag.

See how they react.

[scotzoidman]

Looks like a beautiful piece, Sharni, & from what you've learned so far, its rarity may make it something well worth insuring...maybe you could contact your insurance agent & ask if they could recommend a trustworthy appraiser...of course there will be a fee, but for the peace of mind...my experience is that these appraisals are based on replacement value, & not neccessarily what you could get if you did want to sell it.

[Lilith]

OMG it's gorgeous!

[Irish]

Sharni---I don't know if this will help.You might have to insure it,
for a certain amount,arrived by you.There is no set value for
sentimental value.I once built a '70 Triumph motorcycle.The parts in it made it worth alot.The insurance Co. would only give me
replacement value for a '70 Triumph.My insurance agent told me,
that the only other thing that I could do was to insure it for a "set"amount. Irish

[Teddy Bear]

Very beautiful piece Sharni!!

I can not help you w/ your question on value.... I was just wondering if you would let us know what you end up finding out, as far as insurance and how and where you got the information. I have a feeling there are others in the same position as you. Thanks.

Teddy :D :D

[BigBear57]

Sharni, just my 2 cents worth. I have musician friends with precious instruments who insure through LLoyd's of London and pretty much access their values by whatever criteria they feel appropriate. That may be an avenue of interest.

[FussyPucker]

*wiping tear from eye*
ahhhhh Sheffield what a lovely place
*looking at the 'made in sheffield' stamp on my arse*

Sharni babes here's a couple of links for you to take a look at

http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/antiques/

I might have to keep looking it's got me interested :D

[FussyPucker]

an extra bit babes you might want to expand your search for something called - britannia metal

What is "Britannia Metal" ?
Britannia metal is another name for pewter in its modern lead-free formulation, usually 91% tin, 7.5% antimony, 1.5% copper.

hehehe I'm gonna keep looking I love antiques !
xx

[Loulabelle]

Awww babes....you are an antique anorak! Lol

No wonder I love you! x

Sharni - it's gorgeous and I know nothing about antiques so all I'll say is that if it was made in Sheffield then it's worth hanging on to - eh Fussy?! ;)

[Oldfart]

Do we detect a touch of local bias Loulabelle?

[LixyChick]

Hmmmm? Wish I could help Shar. That piece is beautiful! Only thing I could suggest is to go to a bookstore or library and check the books on antiques. I used have a book called Trash or Treasure (not that this piece would be trash....even if it weren't a pricey antique) but I can't remember the publishing co. nor can I remember the author(s). I lent it to mom-in-law and haven't had it returned as yet. It listed antiques and collectibles and gives you names and adresses and phone numbers of collectors and appraisers who would tell you what you had and give you an appraisal and even offer to buy it, should you be so inclined. Try the library or a bookstore or even in the phone book.....look for appraisers. Ebay could also be of help......I've found some things similar to hubbies grandfather and great grandfather's belongings being sold on there. Sorry I couldn't help further!

[FussyPucker]

oooooooooo I've found something else that might be interesting

"Britannia"
This mark was introduced in 1697 for silver of the new higher standard [95.8%]. Between 1697 and 1720, this was the only permissible standard for silver in England. From the re-introduction of Sterling Standard in 1720 both standards have been available. Little was produced using Britannia Standard between the 1730s and the late 19th.century. The earliest use of Britannia Standard in Edinburgh is 1846.

I got it wrong when I suggested the mark might mean it's Britania Metal!

hehehe thank you Lou babes I love you too !!! *smoooooooch*

[FussyPucker]

OK OK I know I'm back AGAIN! Am I annoying anyone yet ? Well tuff titties !

I found this little piece of Philip Ashberry & Sons work

http://pages.anticusantiques.com/2816/PictPage/1920558298.html

This little beauty has the silver plate pealing off and it's still worth almost $200 (US Dollars) !!

[Teddy Bear]

Not annoying at all FussyPucker,,,, very interesting stuff.

I know who to call if I ever inherit anything... lol

Teddy :D :D

[Sharni]

Thanx everyone for adding your advice and knowledge *hugz*

And Fussy hun.....dont stop....i love it all...and appreciate the effort your going to

[FussyPucker]

Just when you thought this thread was dead I'm here to bring it back lol

Digging a little more as I have been on and off while I've had no work to do hehehe I love my new job !

I think Philip Ashberry & Sons was based in Copper Street Sheffield.......I might have a wander down there next time I'm in the area :) no great news but still 'interesting' :D

I aint stopping 'til I find what I'm looking for !!!

[Sharni]

Update!~~~~~

I had a verbal evaluation done on it....it isn't a Tea Caddy.....its a Biscuit Barrel...

I'm a bit suss on his price though...AU$350

But i'm going to take it in to get a written evaluation done on it

[FussyPucker]

ahhhh that does sound more like it, I have seen a couple of Philip Ashberry biscuit barrels.

I also had a wander down to Copper Street but I didn't find anything that mentioned Philip Ashberry :( There is a silverwear place on the street but it's not them.