From the earliest years came a 4¼in (10.5cm) tall Art Nouveau hammered beaker. Estimated at £120-180, it was erroneously catalogued as being stamped CH Ltd (it was in fact GofH). However, the London 1901 beaker was quickly recognised as a Guild of Handiworks piece.
“There were about 40 people watching it, all of us, I suppose, hoping to get it for around £300,” said London dealer Anthony Bernbaum of the Peartree Collection who was still happy to buy it at £2600.
Table toppers
Christopher Lawrence pepper grinder and salt shaker – £720 at Lacy Scott & Knight.
Commissioned pieces for work by Essex master silversmith Christopher Lawrence (b.1936) can easily run into six figures but more utilitarian material designed for a wider market, such as the pepper grinder and salt shaker also pictured, are more accessible.
Dated London 1973, the 4in (10cm) tall grinder and 2½in (6.5cm) tall shaker, each with gilt tops, were estimated at £200-400 at the September 11 sale and went to a local collector at £720 bidding online.
