posted 08-19-2007 01:13 PM            

After the security officer noticed our camera he explained that photographs were not permitted. We let on how we were hoping to share our visit with everyone at the SS forums. He firmly restated the “no photography rule” and then nicely explained that the only exception was when inside an individual dealer’s showroom but only when that the dealer had given permission.

We took the lift to the lower level. Stepping out of the elevator we saw a large open bank vault door. Once through the extraordinarily large vault door, there on the wall was a floor plan of the many “vaults”. Upon which we realized we had entered a near city block large underground bank vault that incorporated 30+ dealers each housed in their own vaulted showroom. I wish I could have taken a photograph of the long central corridor with every door being a large walk-in bank vault door.... it was impressive.

Soon we were in our first inner vault showroom (maybe 20'x30') which was packed floor to ceiling with antique silver. In total amazement, we wandered from one vaulted showroom to another. Some were larger and some were smaller but each was filled with more antique silver than we ever expected. All of the dealers were relaxed professionals and each greeted us warmly, offering to help us locate whatever it was we were looking for.

Although I was in every showroom, I had to return over several days. Even so, I don’t expect I was able to truly comprehend what was before me. There was something for everyone... prices ranged from just a few pounds to 2 million pounds. The current exchange rate for the dollar made any purchase more dear.

We did find a few whatzits, which we will eventually photograph and share with you. I did see a sterling encased dual blade fleam that seemed pretty special. To find out about fleams, see the whatizit post on fleams. The dealer suggested that the better fleams were in a London hospital’s private collection and that the hospital could be cajoled into allowing a private viewing. But we didn’t have time.....

Two dealers, William Walter Antiques Ltd, vaults 3 & 5 and R Feldman Ltd, Vaults 2, 4, 6 whose show rooms were across the corridor from each other give me permission to photograph in their show rooms. If you look out their open doors across the hall you will see the entrance to the others vaulted show room. Notice the doors.

The London Silver Vaults started in 1953 but the space opened in 1876 as The Chancery Lane Safe Deposit, renting strong rooms mainly to London's wealthy elite in order to safeguard their household silver, jewelery and personal documents. For more on the history of the Silver Vaults (click here).

posted 12-19-2007 02:58 AM            

I have corresponded with a gentleman from the vaults. (He authenticated my James Dixson kettle)

I was never able to picture, in my mind, what the place might look like.

I always had a picture of a Great Big vault, that you walked into.
8)

posted 04-13-2016 01:44 PM            

The vault is now a restaurant Trinity Place