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.
In our recent Fine Interiors auction held on 19 and 20 March, we presented a cherished assortment of antiquities once owned by the late Sir Clinton Charles Donald Cory. This highly esteemed collection of exquisite pottery items saw a 100% sell-through rate, with intense bidding in the room, online, and over the telephone.
5 April 2024
The Fine Interiors department feel privileged to offer for sale a private collection of Antiquities in our 19 & 20 March sale, from the estate of the late Sir Clinton Charles Donald Cory, 5th Baronet of Coryton.
14 March 2024
We are very pleased to present a series of English pottery char dishes collected by Keith Elliott, the Founder and Editor of Classic Angling, the world’s leading magazine devoted to antique and classic tackle.
12 March 2024
