Sterling Silver Gilt Canteen of Cutlery for Twelve Persons - Antique (1901/1912)

Description

The pieces of this magnificent, antique sterling silver gilt cutlery service for twelve persons have been crafted in the Elizabethan II pattern.

The handle of each Hanoverian shaped piece is embellished with impressive Renaissance style interlacing motifs and bud decoration; this service design was first produced in the mid-19th century.

The anterior surface of each knife terminal and posterior surface of each fork and spoon bears the contemporary bright cut engraved crest of a lion passant surmounting a tower.

Each piece retains the original gilding.

This Elizabethan pattern canteen of cutlery consists of 80 pieces:

Basic Service:

12 Table knives

12 Dessert knives

12 Dessert forks

12 Dessert spoons

12 Teaspoons

12 Ice-cream spoons

Additional Pieces:

4 Fruit serving spoons

Ice-cream / Pastry server

Sifter ladle

Sauce ladle

Pair of grape shears

The service benefits from solid silver dessert knives as to be expected, and the table knives are fitted with steel blades bearing the maker's mark 'Garrard, London'.

The components of this canteen were crafted by the renowned London silversmiths Garrard & Co Ltd; the spoons and forks feature the date letter of 1901 (f) and the knives of 1912 (r).

This exceptional silver gilt cutlery service is fitted to an impressive oak wood lift up lid and three tray canteen box, which features fine and impressive brass carrying handles to either side.

Each lift out tray and the interior of the well is fitted with the original green velvet fitment.

The impressive canteen box secures closed with the original functional locking mechanism and key.

Such a service, in this magnificent condition, is becoming increasingly difficult to locate.