The number shown alongside the category includes available and sold items, sold items can be accessed by using the drop down bar on right hand side of page.
To view most recently sold items click on the last available page.
We’re here to your answer your queries, don’t hesitate to reach out.
category info
There is little doubt that the era of Scottish silver peaked in the mid-18th century until the first half of the 19th century. During this time, the combination of the availability of silver, the interest in having items crafted from this metal, and the brilliant silversmiths that arose from this time. This is particularly true in the cities and towns in Scotland that competed against each other.
The era of Scottish silversmiths was relatively short, but quite prominent as it produced innumerable works. While the focus was mostly on common silver items such as cutlery, snuff boxes, and the like, the spread of these items around Scotland, England, and throughout Europe gave them a prominence unlike most other locations.
By the turn of the 18th century, silver was becoming far more prominent due to its vast supply and desire for items made from this precious metal. In the early days, silversmiths would work with the silver provided to them by their customers. However, as more silver was being mined and delivered to Scotland, the number of silversmiths began to grow.
The era peaked around the turn of the 19th century as the artistic works of the silversmiths were being recognized for their high-quality. The initial recipients of many works of silver was the church, of which there are still prominent examples today. But many royalty and the well-to-do were ordering items crafted from silver as well.
The town of Dundee was one of many in Scotland that produced a number of notable silversmiths. For those who are interested in collecting the silver items from this remarkable era, focusing on the silversmiths who worked and resided in Dundee reveals the high-quality work that they produced.
There were many who crafted Scottish silver at the turn of the 19th century. Some of the more prominent from the Dundee area included the following;
All five of these Scottish silversmiths in Dundee were noted for their beautiful works in creating many commonly used items. From the late 18th to early 19th centuries, the silversmiths flourished in a time when silver was plentiful, the technology of crafting silver was moving forward, and the artistic expression was still highly prized.
However, this era came to a close when the cost of silver rose, and mechanization began to take over the very markets that the silversmiths dominated. With the times changing, this glorious era of silversmiths in Scotland gradually came to an end. However, it will be remembered as a time when silver was at its peak interest and the many works are still highly prized today.
For those who are interested in Scottish silver, particularly from the era when the silversmiths were at their peak, then seeking out the antique cutlery, spoons, snuff boxes, and other small items is the way to go. By the mid-19th century, the interest in silver combined with a changing economy brought this era to an end, but it remains one of the brightest times in the history of Scottish silversmiths.
Situated within the Central belt of Scotland (UK), we are a small, family run business. Indeed, we traded in silver for many years before forming Dart Silver Ltd in 2006.
