Magnificent and Rare Paul Storr Sterling Silver From Regent Antiques

In this post, we explore the life and legacy of the legendary English silversmith Paul Storr—a name synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and timeless elegance. His works are among the most treasured pieces of antique silver, highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike. Paul Storr silver, has long been one of our specialties here at Regent Antiques.

Born in London in 1771, Paul Storr became one of the most renowned silversmiths of the 19th century. His exquisitely crafted pieces now grace museum collections and private estates across the globe, each a testament to his unparalleled artistry.

After beginning a seven-year apprenticeship at the age of 14, Storr launched his career in 1792 with a brief partnership with William Frisbee. By 1793, he had registered his own maker’s mark (‘PS’) and was quickly gaining recognition. By the early 1800s, he had secured his place as one of London’s premier silversmiths, frequently receiving commissions from the British Royal Family.

In 1801, he married Elizabeth Susanna Beyer, with whom he had ten children. A pivotal moment in his career came in 1807 when he began working with Philip Rundell. By 1811, Storr was managing the workshops of Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, the most prestigious silver and goldsmiths of the day. Although he retained his own maker’s marks and maintained a separate workshop, it was through Rundell—appointed Goldsmith and Jeweller to King George III in 1804—that Storr’s fame truly flourished.

We begin with a stunning and rare antique Georgian sterling silver teapot by Paul Storr, dated 1810.

The teapot is of a delightful shape and is profusely chased with half-ribbed fluting decoration. It is further embellished with wonderful foliate and shell motifs around the body and on the spout, with stunning gadrooned-shaped borders to the top of the teapot and the base. The remarkable quality flush-hinged lid is also beautifully surmounted by a delightful round finial.

It features an exceptional novelty reptilian handle with striking details, proving the silversmith’s exceptional mastery in the creation of unique and luxurious silverware, as Storr never tired of adding detail to create a true work of art.

The teapot bears full hallmarks on both the body and lid, including the Lion Passant for sterling silver, the Leopard’s Head for London, the date letter ‘R’ for 1812, and the maker’s mark ‘PS’ for Paul Storr.

Next, we present a rare and elegant George III sterling silver ‘biggin’ coffee pot on stand, crafted by Paul Storr and hallmarked for London, 1809.

This is a wonderful and rare English George III antique sterling silver ‘biggin’ coffee pot on stand, with hallmarks for London, 1809, on the underside of the coffee pot, inside the lid, on the finial, on the underside of the base, and on the burner.  It is decorated with subtle Egyptian influences interacting with traditional English basket weave decoration around the body, with gadrooned borders.

Elegant and distinctive, this coffee pot represents the perfect balance of neoclassical design and practical sophistication—an heirloom-worthy piece for the discerning silver collector.

Finally, we turn to a truly remarkable example of Storr’s later work: a large William IV sterling silver salver, hallmarked London, 1820.

This tray features an elegant octafoil shape and a reeded rim of exquisite detail. It stands on four scrolling foliate and shell feet, adding an air of grandeur and refinement. The centre of the salver bears a beautifully engraved shield-shaped coat of arms, which has been carefully researched.

The armorial bearings as engraved upon this George IV Large English Sterling Silver Footed Salver by Paul Storr hallmarked London 1820 are those of the family of Knollis with Hallifax in pretence. These armorial bearings denote the marshalling of a marital coat showing the arms of the husband over the entire surface of the shield, whilst the arms of the wife (as an heraldic heiress) are placed on a small shield (known as an escutcheon of pretence) centrally on the husband’s arms.

They may be blazoned as follows:

Arms:

Quarterly 1st and 4th Azure crusily of cross crosslets a cross moline voided or (for Knollys) 2nd and 3rd Gules on a chevron argent three roses of the field barbed proper (for Knollys) over all an escutcheon of pretence Or on a pile engrailed sable between two fountains barry wavy of six argent and azure three cross crosslets of the first (for Hallifax)

Crest:

An elephant argent [differenced with a mullet1 ] (for Knollys)

Motto:

In utrumque paratus [Prepared for either] (for Knollys)

These arms likely commemorate the marriage of The Honourable and Reverend Francis Knollis (b. 3 January 1743 – d. 27 February 1826), solidifying this salver’s place in British heraldic and silversmithing history.

At Regent Antiques, we are proud to offer rare and exceptional works by Paul Storr. Each piece is a masterclass in form, function, and artistic excellence—a lasting tribute to one of Britain’s greatest silversmiths.

If you’re looking to add a Paul Storr masterpiece to your collection, or have questions about a particular item, we’re always happy to assist. Feel free to call us at +44 20 8809 9605 email us at info@regentantiques.com for expert advice.

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