Part of the exquisite California silver collection Witherell’s is auctioning online November 4 will be exhibited at the San Francisco Fall Art & Antiques Show, October 27-30. 

“I hope this exhibit and auction will inspire others to explore the artistic and historic merits of this distinct California art form,” Witherell said.

On November 4, 2016 at 10 a.m., Witherell’s will auction 400 lots of the silver collection that belonged to the late Edwin Iloff, a California State University, Sacramento, physics professor.

The lots—ranging from the mid-nineteenth century to the early twentieth century—will be sold to fund university science endowments that Iloff established.

Such beauties as the Shreve & Co. (1852 to present) sterling silver ship captain’s presentation bowl with a sailor’s sewing ditty, anchor decoration, chain tie and everted scalloped rim lead the offering.

The 11 inch by 4 inch high item reads “Presented to Cap’t. J.C. Hunter of the Ship George W. Elder… 1888.”

Estimated at $3/5000, this 32 oz troy piece shows the innovative design that became the hallmark of Shreve artistry.

A Vanderslice & Co. silver monogrammed pepper mill with bell top and cylindrical body on base attributed to Will & Finck, San Francisco, also will be shown in San Francisco and auctioned later online.

Standing 6.25 inches high of 8 oz troy, it is estimated at $2/3000.

A gorgeous presentation inkstand by Vanderslice & Co. with two silver-topped hexagonal glass inkpots that features silver figural elk on a silver rock with a footed stand is an excellent example of the genre.

At 9.5 inches wide, 5.75 inches deep and 6.25 inches high with 2.5 inch high inkpots, this amazing piece of art is estimated at only $500/1000.

A Sacramento preview of all the items will be held November 3, from 1-7 pm at Witherell’s Annex, 1925 C Street, Sacramento, CA 95811.

Witherell’s has an unlimited number of complimentary tickets, worth $15, to the event.

Founded in 1969, Witherell’s auctions of objects of value—from decorative arts and design to antiques and fine art—to the global online market and places items through private sales. Witherell’s also produces the annual Old West Show in Grass Valley, Calif.  

For more information, visit www.witherells.com or call (916) 446-6490.