We recently acquired some silver tureens and want to share the outcome. An Arizona jeweler sent pictures of two small silver tureens. At first glance, I knew they were something special—centuries-old Georgian silver circa 1795, complete with a coat of arms. A good sign. “Buy it,” I said, but convincing him to take the plunge took some effort. In the end, he bought them for $3,000 and I was thrilled. These were exactly the kind of pieces we love, steeped in history and begging to be researched.
I hoped to auction them, but the jeweler wanted cash, so I made an educated guess — around five to ten grand—and settled on $7,000. A gamble, sure, but they were just too cool to pass up. I spent the next week diving into their history, tracing the arms and crest. The hallmarks indicate they were made in 1795. My research led me to Baron William Beresford, 1st Baron Decies, who was appointed Archbishop of Tuam, Ireland, that same year.
Excited as we were about the discovery, the auction didn’t go as planned, and we lost about $1,000. But then came the twist that made it all worthwhile—the buyer turned out to be Marcus Beresford, the current 7th Baron Decies
and a direct descendant of the Archbishop himself (pictured). He had no idea how the tureens ever left the family and was overjoyed to bring them home to Ireland, as were we.
A Love Of History Leads To An Unexpected Friendship
Even better, our conversations turned into a budding friendship. The Baron, who lives in a grand Irish estate, invited Katrina and me to visit as his guests. Sure, we lost some money, but we gained an incredible experience, reuniting a
piece of history with its rightful family. And of course, we’ll do our best to make that Arizona jeweler feel just a little guilty—kidding, of course!
Silver value? About $1,300. Fair market value? $6,000. Historical value? Incalculable.
Remember, when it comes to valuation, not everything should just be thrown on a scale.
Three former Sothebyscom associates and three art historians
on staff. We are international buyers of estate jewelry, fine arts
and silver. We will buy for cash or consign to auction any
of your rare, valuable watches, antiques, coins or collectibles.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
