Sterling Silver and Mother of Pearl Fruit/Dessert Service - Antique Edwardian

Description

This exceptional antique Edwardian sterling silver and mother of pearl fruit/dessert cutlery set consists of twelve knives and twelve forks.

The blades of the knives have a rounded form and the forks each have four tines/prongs.

The anterior surface of each knife is embellished with fine and impressive bright cut engraved foliate decoration accented with a simplified border to one side.

The anterior surface of each fork is ornamented with a bright cut engraved stemmed floral design accented with single leaves.

The reverse surface of each piece is plain and unembellished; apart from the featured hallmarks.

Each piece of this silver dessert set is fitted with the original carved mother of pearl handle.

All the knives and forks retain the original sterling silver ferrules ornamented with embossed bands of ribbed ornamentation.

Each mother of pearl knife and fork is fitted to the fine and impressive original hinged mahogany canteen box with a lift up lid and lift out tray.

The interior of the box retains the original velvet lining and tray tags.

The original presentation box features an inset panels to the interior rim displaying the retailer's mark 'Elkington & Co. Ltd. Silversmiths, 22 Regent Street, London S.W'.

This impressive canteen box is ornamented with brass fittings, including a vacant shaped cartouche and escutcheon.

This exceptional Edwardian service was crafted by the noteable Birmingham silversmiths Elkington & Co Ltd; the forks bear the date letter 'b' (1901) and the knives were struck with an 'i' in 1908 with an alternative maker's mark.