George II sauceboats and other silver at Bonhams. (click to enlarge)
Irish silver locked away in the vaults of the Bank of Ireland for the past 50 years comes up for sale at Bonhams in London on June 22. It is from the collection of Dr F S Bourke who lived in Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin and practised at Dr. Steeven’s Hospital.
Bonhams silver sale on June 22. (click on image to enlarge)
It was put together with the help of his close friend, the celebrated silver authority, Dudley Westropp.
On his death in 1961 the collection was stored in the vaults of the Bank of Ireland. Some items retain original shops labels or have notes written by Dr. Bourke or Mr. Westropp. It is expected to bring in between £36,000-46,000.
Highlights include a pair of George II Irish silver sauce boats (£4,000-5,000) a rare 18th century Irish silver saffron teapot and an 18th century Irish Provincial silver cream jug.
The collection is being sold by Dr. Bourke’s grandson.
UPDATE: The pair of Irish silver sauce boats did not sell.