Antique Silver, Fine Clocks & Objets de Vertu Collection
Explore Artemisia Fine Arts & Antiques Ltd's refined collection of antique silver, fine clocks, and objets de vertu - exquisite small-scale decorative objects representing the pinnacle of artisan craftsmanship, precious materials, and elegant design. Each piece in this distinguished collection combines functional beauty with historical significance, making them treasured additions to discerning collections.
What are Objets de Vertu?
Objets de vertu (objects of virtue) are small, precious decorative items prized for exceptional craftsmanship, fine materials, and artistic merit. Historically collected by aristocracy and connoisseurs, these objects include snuff boxes, vinaigrettes, étuis, seals, miniature portraits, enameled boxes, and other refined accessories that demonstrate the maker's virtuosity and the owner's refined taste.
Our Exceptional Collection:
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Sterling Silver Tableware: Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian flatware, serving pieces, tea services, candelabra, and centerpieces from prestigious British and European silversmiths. Hallmarked pieces with maker's marks, assay marks, and date letters ensuring authenticity and provenance
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Decorative Silver Objects: Photograph frames, inkstands, desk accessories, cigarette cases, card cases, and decorative items showcasing silver's versatility and beauty. Pieces with engraved monograms, crests, and presentation inscriptions adding historical interest
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Antique Pocket Watches: Gold and silver pocket watches from renowned makers including Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and English watchmakers. Complicated movements, enamel dials, and engine-turned cases demonstrating horological excellence
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Mantel & Bracket Clocks: 18th and 19th century timepieces in bronze, ormolu, marble, and wood cases. French Empire clocks, English bracket clocks, and Viennese regulators with fine movements and decorative cases
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Carriage Clocks: French carriage clocks in brass and gilt cases, many with complications including alarms, striking mechanisms, and calendar functions. Portable timepieces combining precision with elegant design
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Snuff Boxes: 18th and 19th century gold, silver, and hardstone snuff boxes with enamel decoration, miniature paintings, and precious stone embellishments. Examples from leading European makers demonstrating the snuff box as ultimate luxury accessory
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Vinaigrettes: Small silver boxes containing aromatic sponges, used historically to ward off unpleasant odors. Intricate pierced grilles, engine-turning, and enamel decoration in remarkably small scale
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Enameled Objects: Guilloche enamel boxes, frames, and accessories in the style of Fabergé. Translucent enamels over engine-turned surfaces creating luminous effects and rich colors
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Seals & Wax Accessories: Desk seals in gold, silver, hardstone, and ivory with carved intaglios. Wax jacks, taper sticks, and sealing accessories for the writing table
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Miniature Portraits: Hand-painted portrait miniatures on ivory, vellum, and enamel in gold and silver frames. Intimate portraits demonstrating the miniaturist's skill and providing glimpses into historical personages
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Étuis & Necessaires: Small cases containing sewing implements, writing tools, or grooming accessories. Elegant solutions for carrying essential items, often in gold, silver, or shagreen with fitted interiors
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Vesta Cases & Match Safes: Silver and gold cases for carrying matches, often with enameled decoration, engraved designs, or novelty forms. Collectible examples of Victorian and Edwardian ingenuity
Hallmarks & Authentication
Silver authentication relies on hallmarks - official marks struck by assay offices guaranteeing metal purity and providing date and maker information. Our specialists are expert in reading British, European, and international hallmarks, ensuring every silver piece is correctly attributed and dated. We provide detailed documentation of all marks and their significance.
Condition & Restoration
Antique silver and objets de vertu are assessed for condition, originality, and any restoration. We distinguish between acceptable conservation (stabilizing and preserving) and inappropriate restoration (over-polishing, re-engraving, or replacement parts). Condition reports detail any repairs, replacements, or alterations, ensuring informed acquisition decisions.
Investment & Collecting
Fine antique silver, particularly pieces by renowned makers with clear hallmarks, maintains strong value. Objets de vertu by prestigious makers (Fabergé, Cartier, Asprey) have shown remarkable appreciation. Rare forms, exceptional craftsmanship, and pieces with interesting provenance command premium prices. This category offers accessible entry points for new collectors while providing museum-quality pieces for advanced collections.
Display & Care
These small treasures deserve thoughtful display - vitrines, shadow boxes, and illuminated cases allow proper viewing while protecting delicate objects. Our specialists can advise on display solutions, proper handling, and conservation care to ensure your collection's longevity.
For Collectors & Connoisseurs
Collecting silver and objets de vertu appeals to those who appreciate fine craftsmanship, precious materials, historical significance, and the intimate scale of decorative arts. Whether you're building a focused collection of snuff boxes, assembling a silver tea service, seeking fine timepieces, or acquiring individual treasures, our collection offers exceptional pieces with documented authenticity.
Consignment & Acquisition
Artemisia accepts consignments of significant silver, clocks, and objets de vertu. If you have inherited pieces, estate silver, or collections to sell, contact our specialists for confidential evaluation and consignment terms.
These small treasures must be examined in person to appreciate their scale, craftsmanship, and details. Visit our gallery to view pieces under magnification, or contact us for detailed photography, condition reports, and expert consultation.
