Silver collection found by chance in Edinburgh attic sells for almost £60,000 at auction

A collection of antique silver items discovered by chance in an Edinburgh family's attic has been sold for almost £60,000 at auction.

The haul of more than 100 British and continental silver pieces, dating from the early 18th to the early 20th centuries, was found by a family preparing to sell their New Town home.

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.

Despite an initial estimate of about £23,000, the collection far exceeded expectations, ultimately fetching a total of £59,761.

Sales of the silver collection surpassed expectations (Elmwood’s)

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

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

A spokesperson 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.

The antique items were packed away in dusty boxes (Elmwood’s)

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.”