Attic Discovery: Chinese Silver Hoard from WWII Set for Auction

An assortment of Chinese silver, concealed during World War Two and rediscovered in an attic eight decades subsequent to its hiding, is slated for auction. The collection, which includes dragon-adorned teapots, substantial goblets, and silver plates, will be offered for sale at Kinghams auction house in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, this Friday. Comprising 18 distinct lots, this collection forms a segment of a broader auction dedicated to silver antiques. Matthew Lafite, Associate Director at Kinghams Auctioneers, provided an estimate for the collection, stating, “We expect it could for around £10,000, the family history and provenance, in addition to the lovely quality of the items, do make it something rather special indeed.” The collection’s initial owner was an English official employed by the China Navigation Company, working in the Shanghai docks during the 1940s. Following the Japanese occupation of the city in 1941, he and his family were apprehended and held captive; he subsequently passed away during this period. His son and wife endured the conflict and, upon their return to their Shanghai residence, were surprised to discover that their Chinese servants had concealed the silver. Mr Lafite commented, “It is amazing that this collection of Chinese silver was hidden away during the War to be repatriated to the family eventually.” He further added, “Our vendor is a descendant of the original owner, and the collection was entirely unknown until this year.” Most items within the collection originate from the early 20th Century and were crafted by Zeewo, a silversmith based in Shanghai.