Summer to many people means the approach of the annual summer holiday. Whether jetting off abroad or enjoying a ‘staycation’ your travel necessities always include the all-important toiletries. Luxury home comforts in miniature packaging so wherever you are in the world you feel primed.

This custom is not a modern invention, for hundreds of years people have taken with them ‘essential’ supplies to accompany their travels. Large cased dressing table sets, similar to the example in lot 75, that contained bottles, jars, implements and often brush and mirror sets, were a must for a wealthy lady or gentleman.

Lot 75, Silver, Jewellery and Watches Auction, 19th June

Within this auction we also have numerous silver cased and mounted scent bottles dating from the mid-19^th century to the early 20^th century. Their variation in shape, size and decoration demonstrate what a big business this was and how silversmiths catered for a wide range of tastes. These bottles would be filled with the owner’s perfume of choice and were easy to transport on any trip. Miniature examples could also be taken to evening balls so a quick ‘top up’ could be applied half way through the night!

It wasn’t just toiletries that were deemed important travel companions. Timepieces were also taken on long journeys to be set up on a night table for the duration of a stay. Lot 16 demonstrates how small and transportable these could be. In gilt metal with decorative purple panels, this small work of art is safely housed within its original protective box.

Lot 16, Silver, Jewellery and Watches Auction, 19th June

Lot 17, Silver, Jewellery and Watches Auction, 19th June

If your summer will be spent entertaining rather than travelling, how about investing in a claret jug and tot glasses like lot 17, perfect for formal dinner parties. Or perhaps add an antique twist to a barbecue by serving the sangria or punch in a large and impressive silver bowl like lot 115. Afternoon tea is also catered for with numerous tea services ranging in price from £200 to £700 that could be paired with the beautiful set of silver gilt and enamel spoons of lot 112.

Lot 115, Silver, Jewellery and Watches Auction, 19th June

Lot 112, Silver, Jewellery and Watches Auction, 19th June

This auction also contains a wide range of jewellery to cater for all budgets and tastes, with antique period pieces through to modern simple diamond rings.

So whatever your interests, hopefully there will be something in the sale to brighten up your summer (whatever the British weather holds in store!)

For more information, contact Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley
Silver and Jewellery Specialist

Email: maryanne@hallsgb.com
Phone: 01743 450 700