The final auction of silver pieces from the late Michael Baggott’s private collection realized a total of £112,891 at Woolley and Wallis. Baggott, who was well-known as a star of the BBC’s antique programme Flog It!, passed away in January 2025 at the age of 51. He was a respected authority in antique silver, with a particular focus on early spoons, boxes, and both provincial and continental silver.
The auction, held on Tuesday, surpassed initial estimates ranging from £71,100 to £97,700. This event concluded a series of three auctions for Baggott’s collection, which collectively exceeded £200,000 in sales.
Notable Pieces from the Auction
Among the highlighted items was a 1672 Charles II provincial two-handled porringer by silversmith Thomas Mangy. This lot sold for £3,810. The shallow bowl was traditionally used for eating, drinking, or serving soft foods such as porridge and soup, symbolizing status and wealth, with some even given as christening gifts.
Another significant item was an engraved James I West-Country silver dish, dating back to 1620, crafted by silversmith Edward Harsell. This dish fetched £5,334, exceeding its top estimate of £4,000.
The auction also featured a rare silver ingot, a solid block of refined silver created by pouring melted silver into a mould. This ingot, which sold for £762—far exceeding its estimated value of £300—was produced at Mr. Treffry’s Smelting House in Par during a peak period of Cornish metal production in June 1840. Importantly, the ingot was sold alongside a handwritten note detailing its historical significance as the first successful silver produced at the smelting house, stating: “The first produce from Mr. Treffry’s Smelting House at Par, by which the silver is separated from the copper raised at Fowey Consol mine. Mr. Treffry June 1840.”
A Legacy of Expertise and Passion
Baggott’s extensive collection comprised over 550 pieces of silver, spanning from the late 17th century to 1858. Silver specialist Rupert Slingsby characterized Baggott’s collection as “the most comprehensive collection of silver assayed in York ever to come onto the open market.”
Baggott’s journey into the world of antiques began in his youth when he saved £22 from his school dinner money to buy a Chester silver vesta case. His career included significant roles at prestigious auction houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s, where he served as head of silver.
A published author, Baggott wrote An Illustrated Guide To York Hallmarks 1776-1858 and As Found: A Lifetime In Antiques. He became a familiar face on Flog It! in the 2000s, where he appraised a variety of silver objects, further solidifying his legacy in the world of antiques.
The successful auction not only highlights the value of Baggott’s collection but also commemorates his passion and expertise in antique silver, ensuring that his contributions to the field will be remembered for years to come.
