Selling the silver

Flogging the family silver in times of need has long been a discreet tradition among the no longer wealthy. Selling in London means avoiding the embarrassment of your heirlooms being spotted in a saleroom close to home.

Sotheby's Arts of Europe auction on November 6th in London includes a "large Victorian silver two-handled tea tray made by Richard West Smith for Smith & Gamble, Dublin, 1844" which is expected to sell for up to £10,000 (€12,700).

Sotheby's silver expert Alice Bleuzen is in Dublin this Monday and Tuesday to offer free valuations to prospective sellers, for an appointment, tel: 01-671 1431. Michael Parsons