“In the early 20th century, excavations of historically important treasures and the sale of important silver collections, such as the John Dunn-Gardner collection, revived interest and demand in historical forms,” says Richards.
“Many of the high-end silversmiths saw it as an honour to work with and replicate such pieces using traditional methods and exacting quality, producing items in silver, silver gilt and, a particular favourite, Britannia standard silver.”
Among the pieces on offer is a cup modelled on one of the Bronze Age findings in the ancient beehive tomb at Vaphio in Greece. The 1903 replica was made in Chester by George Nathan and Ridley Hayes and is available for £495.
A large silver version of the Winchester Bushel, originally a copper vessel used as a unit of measure, is also on offer. The silver version was made by AE Jones in Birmingham, 1924 and is priced £1095.
A 1907 version of The Goblet of Troy, made by the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company, is available for £795.
The Cooper Events fair runs from January 4-6 and hosts 40 exhibitors.
“This is where people come to decorate and furniture their homes in their own personal style, mixing and matching antique and contemporary with mid-century accessories, fine art, sculpture and furni-ture,” says organiser Sue Ede.
