Rare teapot to tempt collectors

A SILVER teapot crafted by well-known silversmith Harold Sargison will go under the hammer on Saturday in a sale of rare finds from four deceased estates.

The teapot, stamped with the jeweller’s emblem, is a first for Philip Gowans, owner of Gowans Auctions at Moonah.

“I haven’t seen a Sargison teapot before ... it will definitely appeal to collectors,’’ he said.

Mr Sargison was a wellknown Hobart silversmith and clockmaker, who died aged 93 in 1983.

In 1932, he made a gold monstrance for St Mary’s Cathedral, and his other significant works included the Lord Mayor of Hobart’s chain of office and the mace for the State Parliament.

He was known for his jointless metal jugs, decorated with gum leaves and gumnuts.

He retired in his 90s, after supervising the making of a set of sterling silver serving spoons, commissioned in 1981 as a wedding gift from Tasmanians for Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.

Also up for sale from the Sargison estate is a long-lost watch with an unusual history.

Harold’s son David had lost his watch while climbing Federation Peak in Southwest National Park in 1949.

It turned up almost four years later when renowned wilderness photographer and conservationist Olegas Truchanas took it in to Sargison’s Jewellers for repair after finding it on the mountain.

Identified by David’s sister, the watch was returned to David and later inscribed: “Lost 5/1/49 by David Sargison, found 31/12/52 by Olegas Truchanas undamaged near Federation Mountain”.