Designed to be beautiful as well as functional, objects of vertu are small objects created from precious materials either to be admired simply as works of art or, more often, as luxury items with a practical purpose. The subject includes familiar items such as cigarette cases, scent bottles, snuff boxes, fans, vesta cases, card cases and pincushions plus once fashionable accoutrements such as vinaigrettes, etuis and bonbonnières.
They collectively take their name from the ‘virtuosity’ of their craftsmanship - be it a presentation gold and gem set box from Romanov Russia or a Cartier vanity case made for a 1920s Flapper. Sworders enjoyed huge interest when offering a collection of diminutive porcelain scent bottles made by the Chelsea and St James’s factories c.1750s.
With new interest from around the world, and perfectly sized to appeal to collectors tight on space, this area has recently enjoyed a revival.
Our specialists hold regular valuation days. Please contact us for more information, or complete the online form to enquire about the valuation of your items.
Want to know how much your Objects of Vertu may be worth? Fill out our easy to use form and a member of the team will be in touch with free advice shortly.
Our 25 & 26 March Fine Interiors auction will feature a second instalment from the collection at York’s Tenement in Yoxford, Suffolk.
21 March 2025
Ahead of our Fine Interiors sale next week and its leading collection from Tile Barn, Northamptonshire, we had the pleasure of speaking with Sigi Cassel, Antique Dealer & Director of Julia Boston Antiques. Here she shares her insights into Tile Barn’s origins, Charles and Julia’s collecting journey, and the philosophy behind their acquisitions, while highlighting some favourite pieces from the sale.
19 March 2025
Selected items from the Nigell and Heather D’Oyly Collection will be presented as part of the upcoming Fine Interiors sale, taking place on 25 & 26 March.
18 March 2025
