Chinese Silver Hoard Hidden During WWII Set to Make Thousands

A vast collection of Chinese silver acquired between 1927 and 1941, and hidden away for 80 years, has been unearthed by the Cotswolds auctioneers, Kinghams.

The silver hoard was acquired by an Englishman who worked as the Chief Officer and Wharfinger for the China Navigation Company in Shanghai. With the outbreak of World War II, the man and his family were taken to the Lunghwa Civilian Assembly Centre internment camp in March 1943. By December of that year, the man became ill in the camp and passed away. His widow and son were liberated after the war and returned to their apartment on the Bund in Shanghai. Unbeknownst to them, their Chinese servants had hidden the vast silver collection for the duration of the war, and to their astonishment, they were reunited with the treasures in 1945.

According to Kinghams Associate Director Matthew Lafite, “It is amazing that this collection of Chinese silver was hidden away during the War to be repatriated to the family eventually. Our vendor is a descendant of the original owner, and the collection was entirely unknown until this year.”

The extensive collection includes a sterling silver tea set, salver, and ewer, all with finely detailed dragon decoration, carried out in high relief, by the famed Shanghai silversmith Zeewo. Included are silver pedestal dishes, and two large presentation plaques. The majority of the pieces date to between 1900 and 1920.

(Above) A Chinese silver tea set, by Zeewo, Shanghai c.1900-20.

The collection’s existence was only revealed to the vendor shortly before her father passed away earlier this year. His words of wisdom were, “Look for the silver tea service in the attic!”. What was eventually discovered was a treasure trove of Chinese silver, that was then shown to specialist Matthew Lafite at Kinghams.

“We are delighted to be entrusted to handle the sale of such a wonderful collection of Chinese silver. The family history and provenance, in addition to the lovely quality of the items, do make it something rather special indeed.” Mr Lafite said.

(Above) Chinese silver two-handle trophy cup, with presentation inscription in Chinese characters c.1900-1940.

The collection is expected to make thousands of pounds at Kinghams Auctioneers Silver & Objects of Vertu sale, to be held at the firm’s Moreton-in-Marsh headquarters on November 15^th. For more information, contact Matthew Lafite on 01608 695695 or matthew@kinghamsauctioneers.com