Tennants Auctioneers, Leyburn, to sell 16th century chalice

The silver-gilt chalice, believed to be of Irish origin and dating from the 16th century, is among a standout selection of historic and decorative pieces expected to attract collectors’ attention in the sale at Tennants Auctioneers, based in Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

With an estimated value of £3,000 to £5,000, it leads a sale packed with rare silver, fine jewellery and unusual curiosities spanning several centuries.

Accompanying the chalice in the auction will be a provincial silver paten, bearing the marks of York silversmith Christopher Hunton and made around 1570.

Other standout lots include a Louis XV provincial silver wine-taster from around 1740, made by Henry Lemoine of Vitry-le-François.

Circa 1860 Micro Mosaic Brooch depicting St. Peter’s, Rome (Image: Tennants of Yorkshire Antiques & Fine Art Auctioneers)

The taster, engraved with a female figure holding a flask and a snake, and inscribed with the name ‘Piere Claude Lefeve’, is estimated to sell for £600 – £800.

Modern and contemporary items include a fine 20th-century continental gold mesh purse with an estimate of £2,000 – £3,000, a Dunhill ‘Aquarium’ Lucite table lighter expected to fetch £1,000 – £1,500, and an Elizabeth II silver bowl by Leslie Gordon Durbin, estimated at £200 – £300.

A collection of 13 lots of Thai silver dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries is also up for sale.

Highlights include a 1921 Thai silver bowl presented to the winner of the ‘Grand Stand Cup’ at the Royal Turf Club of Siam Grand Stand Meeting, estimated at £2,000 – £3,000, and a Thai silver tray estimated to bring in £1,500 – £2,500.

For jewellery collectors, the sale boasts standout pieces including a delicate enamel necklace by Victor Mayer for Fabergé, estimated at £1,000 – £1,500, an Art Nouveau enamel and pearl necklace, with an estimate of £500 – £700, and modern pieces like a multi-gem set bracelet featuring aquamarines and sapphires expected to sell for £500 – £700.

READ MORE: Prolific paedophile pensioner searched for pictures of ‘boys in Speedos’ online
READ MORE: Craft beer firm started by pals in garage to take over Darlington’s Corner House
READ MORE: Popular Barnard Castle hotel on the market for £1.75m – could you be its new owner?

The sale also includes a variety of Victorian brooches made circa 1860, including a pearl and diamond brooch in the form of a snowdrop, estimated at £300 – £500, a micro mosaic brooch depicting St. Peter’s with an estimate of £300 – £500, and a novelty ruby, diamond, and pearl brooch in the shape of a golf club and ball made around 1900 with an estimate of £200 – £300.

An 18 Carat Gold Pocket Watch, from 1832 (Image: Tennants of Yorkshire Antiques & Fine Art Auctioneers)

A selection of Second World War military watches also features in the sale, including a Jaeger LeCoultre Royal Air Force Pilot’s Centre Seconds Wristwatch dating from the 1940s, estimated at £500 – £700.

Other noteworthy watches include a 9-carat gold Rolex ‘Oyster Precision’ from 1955, estimated at £400 – £600, a Jaeger LeCoultre Stainless Steel ‘Club’ Automatic Day/Date Centre Seconds Wristwatch from the 1970s with an estimate of £500 – £700, and an 18-carat gold pocket watch from 1832, expected to fetch £1,500 – £1,800.

The jewellery, watches and silver sale at Tennants Auctioneers will be held on May 16. Further details at www.tennants.co.uk