23/10/2025
An extremely rare silver jug in the shape of a bear roared to auction success on Tuesday, 14th October, selling for an incredible £17,000 on the day global silver prices hit record levels.
The striking and exquisitely detailed piece of silverware was consigned to auction at Gildings Auctioneers in Market Harborough by a local seller from Rutland. It was snapped up by a specialist dealer in the room who outbid a phone bidder to finally secure it for well over double its guide price of £5,000 - £8,000.
The jug, made in 1875 by Robert Hennell, a renowned London silversmith established in 1725, is one of only two known examples, with the other sold at auction in New York in 2003.
150 years on, the jug was offered in perfect pouring condition with clear and remarkably crisp detailing, particularly on the texture of the bear’s fur and features such as the eyes and snout.
“From the moment I saw the bear I knew it had the potential to punch above its weight at auction thanks to its scarcity, stunning detail, great condition and of course its wonderfully appealing quirkiness,” comments Gildings director Will Gilding. “However, the hammer falling at £17,000 surpassed all expectations, and highlights both an unprecedented demand for silver and the excitement that can unfold when two determined bidders go head-to-head to get their hands on a coveted item.”
Other notable silver lots in the sale included a Victorian lobster-shaped inkwell, which achieved £900, and a canteen of silver cutlery comprising of matching items dating from 1825 to 1931 that sold for £2,300. A pair of 1979 George III-style candelabras fetched £1,600, while a modern silver oval tray from 1999, sold for £1,500.
"With global silver prices reaching an all-time high on the day, it’s no surprise that the auction showed that now is a fantastic time to sell, whether it’s rare antiques or more recent household items,” adds Will. “However, as well as the demand for all things silver, we also saw strong results across the board with a painting by the French artist François Flameng, depicting Scottish troops returning from the WWI battlefield selling for £13,000 against an estimate of £1,000 - £1,500.”
Those with similar items they are interested in selling can arrange a free, no-obligation valuation at our Valuations page or by calling 01858 410414.
