15th Dec, 2020 13:00

The London Auction - Live Online

 
Lot 58
 

58

BILLY AND CHARLEY (OR THE SHADWELL FORGERIES)

BILLY AND CHARLEY (OR THE SHADWELL FORGERIES),
c.1860, a pair of Billy and Charley brass medallions cast with decoration of medieval appearance,
8.5 x 6cm (2)

Billy and Charley came from the area of Shadwell, London and began making forgeries in the middle of the 19th century. They started out as mudlarks, scouring the banks of the Thames for anything of value which they could then sell on. This brought them into contact with William Edwards, a London antiques dealer, who paid them for anything of interest they found. It soon became clear to Billy and Charley that there was money to be made in antiques, and in 1857 they began their counterfeit operation.

It is believed that in the four or five years they were in production, Billy and Charley produced between 5,000 and 10,000 forgeries. The sheer volume of items aroused suspicions and they were brought to the attention of the British Museum who believed them to be forgeries. However, many archaeologists and local historians believed them to be real, giving them dates ranging from 1300 to 1600. Even a court case could not prove that the objects were forged or that the two men were behind it.

Take advantage of our Sworders Delivery Service. Please see 'Shipping estimate' below.

Sold for £140


Condition Report

No damage, excellent condition.

 

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Please note that we normally offer this service for lots with an estimate of £500 or higher and all telephone bid requests must be received by close of business the day before the auction.

Auction: The London Auction - Live Online, 15th Dec, 2020

As we approach the one year anniversary of the launch of Sworders London Gallery, we are delighted to announce the return of The London Sale which will take place on Tuesday 15 December. 

Categories to include - pictures, watercolours, maps, prints, photographs, books, The Swinging Sixties, memorabilia, London underground posters and signs, silver and much more. 

Viewing

Viewing by appointment will be held at our London Gallery, Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ as follows:  

Mon 7 Dec, 10.30am - 4pm;

Tues 8 Dec, 10.30am - 4pm;

Weds 9 Dec, 10.30am - 4pm;

Thurs 10 Dec, 10.30am - 4pm;

Fri 11 Dec, 10.30am - 4pm;

Mon 14 Dec, 10.30am - 4pm

  

Book Appointment

 

It is envisaged that, after the auction, lots will be available for collection from the London Gallery, but in the current climate, this may be subject to change.  Please check our website for up-to-date information.

View all lots in this sale

Sorry, we cannot calculate a pre-sale automated shipping cost due to the items weight/size.

Should you be successful in buying this item, a specific shipping estimate can be requested after the sale by using the link in your invoice email; this also includes requests for international delivery.

If you would like further information about shipping and collection please see here.

Buying a pre-loved, antique, or vintage item not only provides you with unique style and value for money but it also helps to reduce landfill, and the annual emissions of an antique or vintage piece can be as little as one sixteenth of those of its new equivalent!

Sworders is proud to be supporting the work of Antiques are Green - the movement that was founded in 2009 to promote “a greener future created from the past”. Read their fascinating carbon footprint study of a Georgian chest of drawers versus a modern equivalent here

 

Antiques are Green

 

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To help us with your valuation please attach clear photographs of the item where possible. You can submit up to 5.

Approximate dimensions are also useful. Expect to hear from the appropriate valuer as soon as possible.

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