A rare canteen of Russian silver flatware, once belonging to a Lancashire shipbuilder who worked in Imperial Russia, is set to lead Roseberys’ upcoming Silver Auction. The Nicholas II-era flatware, estimated at £5,000-£8,000, carries both historical and naval significance.

Lot 5: Nicholas II silver flatware canteen, Nikolai Lyubavin, Moscow, c.1912
Estimate: £5,000–£8,000

Its former owner, Frank Edwards, played a key role in constructing the Russian Imperial Navy’s last armoured cruiser, Rurik, built in Barrow-in-Furness between 1905 and 1908 by the British firm Vickers, Sons & Maxim. A fluent Russian speaker, Edwards translated technical drawings and later travelled to Russia to oversee parts of the project. Edwards’ involvement in building the Rurik is described in a letter from the Director of Vickers, Sons & Maxim, confirming his central role. The letter is included with the present lot.

Letter from the British Ambassador in Petrograd and from the Director of Vickers, Sons & Maxim

 

Further documents accompanying the silverware include a letter from the British Ambassador in Petrograd, George W. Buchanan, stating that Frank Edwards was ‘engaged in Russia on work of importance to the cause of the Allies.’ Photographs and postcards believed to depict Edwards and his family are also included. Edwards is understood to have left Russia during the October Revolution of 1917 with the silverware.

The canteen, made in Moscow around 1912 and retailed by the renowned firm of Lyubavin, comprises 12 table spoons, forks and knives, 12 dessert spoons, forks and knives, 12 teaspoons, 11 coffee spoons, a ladle, a serving spoon, and a serving slice, all engraved with the monogram ME - believed to represent Madge Edwards, the wife of the former owner.

The set is housed in its original fitted wooden box, also signed by Lyubavin. It descended directly from Edwards to the current owner and has remained in the family until now.

 

 

Edwards Family photos

Georgina Agnew, Head of Silver at Roseberys, said “This canteen is a remarkable example of how rich in history silverware can be. The documents linking it to the construction of the Rurik make it a fascinating piece of naval history, but it also tells a deeply personal story. From family life in Imperial Russia, to fleeing on the eve of the October Revolution, it has navigated through the shifting sands of prosperity and turmoil to bring this chapter of history to life for us today.”

 

Lot 290: Of Irish historical interest. A 19th century silver pocket compass. Dollond of London
Estimate: £800 - £1,200

Further highlights include Lot 290, a 19th century silver pocket compass of historic Irish interest. Produced by Dollond of London in 1816, the rare, pocket-watch form compass is engraved to the front: 'Presented by the Rt. Honble Lady Carbery to Mr James Morley, C. G. O. as a token of esteem for his exertions among the poor Fishermen of Rathbarry during the famine. May 15th 1848.' According to an article in Cork Examiner published in 1846, Lady Carbery made no demands of rent from her tenants on her estates in County Cork during the Great Famine. The inscription likely refers to Lady Sophia Sherard, who married William Charles Evans-Freke, 8th Baron Carbery, in 1840. Although the identity of James Morley C.G.O. is unknown, he may have been a local relief agent, harbour or fisheries official, or a leading parish figure who organised help for Rathbarry’s fishing community during the famine. The pocket compass carries an estimate of £800 - £1,200 and has the provenance of a distinguished family collection (lots 271 - 296).

Lot 206: A set of twelve silver-plated underplates, Christofle
Estimate: £1,000 - £1,500

The auction features two further private collections, including one incorporating an impressive array of wares by the firm of Christofle (lots 191-270), and a large offering of flatware by notable names such as the Batemans and Richard Scarlett (lots 351-375).

Lot 53: A pair of silver plated penguin candlesticks, 20th century.
Estimate: £80 - £120

In addition to offering three private collections, the auction includes a ‘Fifty Festive Favourites’ section to inspire those buying with the festive season in mind.