Designed to be beautiful as well as functional, objects of vertu are small objects created from precious materials either to be admired simply as works of art or, more often, as luxury items with a practical purpose. The subject includes familiar items such as cigarette cases, scent bottles, snuff boxes, fans, vesta cases, card cases and pincushions plus once fashionable accoutrements such as vinaigrettes, etuis and bonbonnières.
They collectively take their name from the ‘virtuosity’ of their craftsmanship - be it a presentation gold and gem set box from Romanov Russia or a Cartier vanity case made for a 1920s Flapper. Sworders enjoyed huge interest when offering a collection of diminutive porcelain scent bottles made by the Chelsea and St James’s factories c.1750s.
With new interest from around the world, and perfectly sized to appeal to collectors tight on space, this area has recently enjoyed a revival.
Our specialists hold regular valuation days. Please contact us for more information, or complete the online form to enquire about the valuation of your items.
Want to know how much your Objects of Vertu may be worth? Fill out our easy to use form and a member of the team will be in touch with free advice shortly.
To be sold in our December Fine Interiors sale, this pair of mid-18th-century giltwood pier mirrors features the masks, scrolls and rococo ornament closely linked to Matthias Lock’s influential published designs.
18 November 2025
Two rediscovered sculptures from Barrington Hall, Hatfield Broad Oak, will be offered for sale on the open market for the first time in nearly 300 years, in our December Fine Interiors sale.
13 November 2025
In our upcoming Fine Interiors auction on 9–10 December 2025, two lots offer more than fine craftsmanship and design — they carry the weight of imperial history. One piece was acquired from Provender House, the Kent home of Princess Olga Andreevna Romanoff, and the other holds a curious clue to its past, bearing a connection to the Russian Imperial family.
23 October 2025
