‘Mary Eleanor Hibbert Cape Silver Collection’: A One-of-a-Kind Cape Silver Collection

Strauss & Co is proud to present the ‘Mary Eleanor Hibbert Cape Silver Collection’, one of the most significant and carefully curated collections of Cape silver ever assembled. This exceptional collection will be offered in a Timed Online Auction, closing Wednesday, 9 July 2025, and features rare and exquisite examples of Cape silver artistry, including double beakers, alms dishes, sugar bowls, snuff boxes, and 18ct gold clasps.

Over several decades, Mary Eleanor Hibbert gathered each piece with meticulous attention and a deep appreciation for the beauty, craftsmanship, and heritage of Cape silver. This remarkable collection is a testament to her discerning eye and enduring passion, and it represents a pivotal chapter in the history of Cape silver collecting.

The collection offers a compelling window into the golden age of Cape silversmithing, which flourished in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This era saw highly trained immigrant silversmiths from Germany and the Netherlands settle in Cape Town, bringing their elite craftsmanship to the Cape Colony. The result was a distinctive local tradition of silver-making that remains unmatched in its elegance and historical value.

Among the collection’s most exceptional pieces is an 18th-century Cape silver sugar basket by the unidentified maker HNS (estimated at R250,000–R300,000). The piece is notable for its oval, urn-like shape and beaded, pierced detailing—a rare and striking example of early Cape silversmithing. Another standout is a covered trophy by Johan Hendrik Vos, dating from c.1760–1810 and estimated at R200,000–R250,000, complete with engravings and crests.

Cape silver is especially prized for its unique origin and character. Unlike European traditions that followed strict silver standards, Cape silversmiths often repurposed coins and older silver objects, resulting in a radiant, richly textured finish. Most pieces bear only the initials of the maker, often accompanied by decorative device marks such as stars or flowers, which makes attribution a specialised field.

The collection features works by legendary Cape silversmiths, including:

• Willem Godfried Lotter
• Lawrence Holme Twentyman
• Johannes Casparus Lotter
• Johan Hendrik Vos
• Jan Lotter

Additional highlights include:

• A Cape silver teapot by Johan Hendrik Vos, c.1760–1810 (R200,000–R250,000)
• A Cape silver coffee pot by Johannes Casparus Lotter, c.1760 (R160,000–R180,000)
• A coffee pot by Daniel Heinrich Schmidt, c.1768–1811, one of the finest makers of his time (R120,000–R160,000)
• A double beaker by Lawrence Holme Twentyman, c.1818–1837 (R80,000–R100,000)
• A two-handled sugar basin by Willem Godfried Lotter, c.1770–1810 (R100,000–R120,000)

Each item in the ‘Mary Eleanor Hibbert Cape Silver Collection’ is a rare gem, reflecting the technical mastery and cultural richness of South Africa’s silver-making heritage. This collection is not only a celebration of historical craftsmanship but also a vital preservation of artistic legacy.

Collectors and enthusiasts are encouraged to view the full catalogue and register to bid before the auction closes on 9 July 2025.
🔗 Explore the collection now

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