A piece of English silver history

In our Spring Auction 2026, this fine three-piece set of decorative vases will be offered in the silver section, lot number 765.

These elegant vases, made in London in 1771 by the renowned silversmiths Daniel Smith & Robert Sharp, represent the height of English Neoclassicism from the early reign of George III (1760–1820).

The classical set of vases reflects the spirit of the late 18th century, when silver objects such as these were not only functional items but also served as displays of wealth and taste. They were often placed in prominent areas of the home and acted as status symbols for their owners—particularly in the salons and dining rooms of the English elite, where the exchange of knowledge and refinement formed an important social code.

The vases combine display silver with a practical function, often used for holding flowers or other decorations, but their primary value lay in their visual and symbolic significance.

The hammered surfaces, the gilded interiors and covers, and the refined proportions all testify to craftsmanship of the highest level. The engraved coat of arms with the motto EXCITARI NON HEBESCERE (“to be stirred, not to grow dull”) refers to the De Grey family, Barons Walsingham, an influential aristocratic family in England. This makes the vases not only a symbolic showpiece, but also a heraldic object of distinction.

Such vases fit within the broader Neoclassical style associated with the work of Robert Adam—the celebrated architect and designer who drew inspiration from classical antiquity to create a renewed and refined English aesthetic. His influence was pervasive in the design of furniture, interiors, and even silversmithing, of which these vases are a striking example.

The use of classical motifs and refined ornamentation on the vases reflects the pursuit of symmetry, simplicity, and elegance that lay at the heart of Neoclassicism. Sets such as these were therefore not merely decorative, but also cultural statements: symbols of erudition, social standing, and the refinement of their owner.

An opportunity to own a piece of English history.