THE Charterhouse two day May auction on 18 and 19 includes a large Tiffany silver bowl with a marriage story similar to the hugely successful Downton Abbey television series.

“It is a substantial silver bowl made by Tiffany which makes it valuable in its own right.” Commented Richard Bromell. “However, on this occasion, I think it is the presentation inscription which also adds value as it is a wedding present celebrating the marriage between one of America’s wealthiest families and the eighth Duke of Roxburghe, somewhat similar to the marriage of the Earl of Grantham and Cora Levinson, the daughter of an American millionaire dry goods merchant.”

The silver bowl measures 33.5 cms wide and is engraved with a coronet above initials for the eighth Duke of Roxburghe to the centre. On the underside of the bowl it is inscribed “Presented to Miss Goelet by the servants of New York and Newport November tenth 1903” which has slight undertones of another popular television series “Upstairs Downstairs” where the aristocratic family were seen, like the initials and coronet, whilst the staff remained out of sight, just like the presentation inscription on the underside.

Mary Goelet was the daughter of the New York real-estate millionaire Ogden Goelet. When Mary married in 1903, her dowry was $20,000,000, which in today’s terms is estimated at a staggering $500,000,000.

The bowl, which was inherited from the vendor’s father several years ago, has been sitting on the sideboard of a 17th century Dorset cottage for years. Estimated at £700-1,000 it goes under the Charterhouse hammer in their Sherborne salerooms on Thursday, May 18.

Viewing for the auction at The Long Street Salerooms is on Wednesday 17 and Thursday, May 18 or you can view all the lots on www.charterhouse-auction.com where live internet bidding is also accessible.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their June auctions which includes coins, stamps, medals and collectors’ items along with nearly 5,000 bottles of wine, port and spirits. They are also accepting entries for their specialist auction of classic cars on Sunday, June 18.

For further information regarding these auctions, or to arrange a home visit, contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse on 01935-812277 or email items for valuation at info@charterhouse-auction.com