Silver collection found in attic beats expectations to sell for almost €70,000

A collection of antique silver items found by chance in an Edinburgh family’s attic have fetched just under €70,000 at auction.

More than 100 pieces of British and continental silver dating from the early 18th to the early 20th centuries were uncovered as the family prepared to sell a home in the city’s New Town.

Members of the family, who do not wish to be named, found the items inside dusty chests, having been packed away for the best part of a century.

The collection was put up for auction at Elmwood’s auction house in London, where it was expected to attract total bids of around £23,000 (€26,800).

But the collection ended up fetching £59,761 (€69,747).

The most expensive part of the collection was Lot 15 – a set of fine Danish vintage cutlery, which sold for £5,200 (€6,068).

The silverware had been untouched for generations, with the family completely unaware of its existence or significance.

A spokesman for the Edinburgh family said: “We’re thrilled with the outcome and completely overwhelmed by the response to the collection.

“What began as an unexpected discovery while clearing the family home has turned into an extraordinary journey.

“It’s wonderful to know these pieces, which lay hidden for so many decades, have found new homes with people who will appreciate their history and craftsmanship.”

The family had previously said they made the discovery when clearing out their mother’s home, which has been with the same family for generations.

Different members of the family are thought to have added to the collection throughout the years, but knowledge of it faded in more recent times.

Joe Kendrick, head of sale at Elmwood’s auctioneers, said: “We knew this was a special collection from the moment we first examined the pieces from the chests, but today’s result exceeded even our expectations.

“Achieving £59,761 against a pre-sale estimate of £23,000 demonstrates the enduring appeal of fresh-to-market collections with exceptional provenance.

“Bidders responded not only to the quality and rarity of the silver, but also to the remarkable story behind its discovery after almost a century hidden away in an Edinburgh attic.

“It has been a privilege to bring these pieces back into the public eye and to see them begin a new chapter with collectors around the world.”