The pieces of this exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver flatware service for eight persons have been crafted in Rich Bead pattern*.
The anterior and reverse surface of each handle is embellished with convex bead and shell decoration.
The decoration to the anterior surface of each handle, excluding the knives, is ornamented with a contemporary bright cut engraved crest depicting a savage's head amidst two arms in armour gauntleted counter embowed with hands apaumé.
The reverse of each spoon and fork features a convex shell to the heel.
This impressive straight** service consists of 58 pieces:
- Basic Service
- 8 Table knives
- 8 Table forks
- 8 Table spoons
- 8 Dessert knives
- 8 Dessert forks
- 8 Dessert spoons
- 8 Teaspoons
- Additional Pieces
- Pair of Sauce ladles
The fundamental pieces of this service have been crafted by the renowned silversmiths Elkington & Co Ltd in 1900, apart from the table and dessert knives, which are replacements***.
This antique flatware service is supplied in felt cutlery rolls; which not only protect the items in storage but significantly reduces tarnishing.
* Rich Bead is a late nineteeth century Elkington pattern which later appeared in other catalogues under the name 'Prince of Wales'.
** "Straight" means all the pieces are made by the same maker in the same year.
*** Predominately all antique silver canteens have replacement knives as the originals have not stood the test of time.
Read a brief history about antique sterling silver canteens
