This ghoulish little silver skull might give you cold chills but it is expected to give keen collectors hot flushes when it comes up for auction at Lawrences in Crewkerne on January 17th 2017.
It is a rare Victorian silver vesta case and taper holder combined, made by Henry William Dee, with a hallmark for London 1873. Its gruesome subject belies its size: it measures just 1.45″ (3.6 cms) high and 2″ (5.1 cms) long and weighs 2.75 troy ounces.
“Novelty silver items like this are very rare and collectable,” says Lawrences’ specialist, Alex Butcher.
“Buyers admire the fine craftsmanship and the ingenious design of small silver like this. This little gem is appealingly tactile and it is indeed an unusual design for a vesta case. We expect that many enthusiasts would love to add it to a collection.”
After boning up on prices achieved for similar items at auction, Alex is expecting bidders to pay £2000-£3000 for this little head with a tail to tell. Enquiries to 01460 73041