Antique Sterling Silver Canteen for 6, ‘Fiddle & Thread’, 48 Pieces, London 1816–54, 2,350 g

I have decided to sell this set of flatware, which I have collected over many years.  All items were made by the best makers of that period: George Adams, William Eaton and Eley & Fearn.  They are in a superb condition featuring their original beautiful crests, adding to the unique charm of this canteen (plain items of this age have usually been tampered with, having had their crests or monograms removed, thus taking away their history and character).  All solid silver items are double struck.  The knives are more recent with modern stainless steel blades.

Weight of silver (excluding knives): c. 2,350 g (about 76 troy ounces).

The set comprises the 48 following pieces:

1)           6 Table Spoons, London 1835, by William Eaton, 22 cm, 550 g (Crest of bird on man’s arm)

2)           6 Table Forks, London 1816, by William Eley I & William Fearn, 20.4 cm, 538 g (Crest of eagle)

3)           6 Dessert Spoons, London 1828, by William Eaton, 17.6 cm, 366 g (Crest of griffin with arrow)

4)           6 Dessert Forks, London 1854, by George Adams, 17.1 cm, 328 g (Armorial Crest)

5)           6 Starter Forks, London 1851, by George Adams, 17.7 cm, 340 g (Crest of sleeved arm with clenched fist within garter with Latin inscription ‘DUM SPIRO SPERO’: ‘As long as I breathe I hope’)

6)           6 Teaspoons, London 1828, by William Eaton, 14.2 cm, 222 g (Crest of griffin with arrow)

7)           6 Table Knives, Sterling silver handles, Sheffield 1959, by Gee & Holmes, with stainless steel slipper blades marked ‘Harrods, London’, 24.2 cm, 362 g in total

8)           6 Starter/Side Knives, Sterling silver handles, Sheffield 1975, by John B. Chatterley & Sons Ltd, with stainless steel taper blades thus marked, 21.5 cm, 319 g in total

Please note:

The set of six table forks can be upgraded to a different set of twelve table forks, where six of them could be used as fish knives, which did not exist in those days, when diners used two forks for eating fish (like the late Queen Mother).  The set of twelve is by William Eaton, London 1828, and comes from the same service as the dessert and teaspoons with the same crest.

I have further Fiddle & Thread items for sale, amongst them a single as well as a superb pair of basting or serving spoons by George Adams and sauce ladles, as well as smaller serving pieces like condiment or caddy spoons.

Buyers are reminded that these items are pre-owned and may show some associated surface wear.  Please contact me if you require any further information or photos.  (Re: 2275)

PAYMENT:

Payment must be received within 4 days of the auction ending.

SHIPPING:

I will combine package and posting costs if the same purchaser buys more than one item.

Shipping costs within the UK are listed using Royal Mail Special Delivery service.

The cutlery can also be collected in person, I'm only two minutes from Junction 9 / M6.

I will always leave feedback for the buyer as soon as feedback is received. 

Please see my other listings.