Serpentine Antiques has dated this piece to the 1880s.
The handles are a creamy coloured genuine period ivory carved all around in a beautiful flower petal form with a similarly designed petal silver plate ferrule. The blades and tines are engraved on both sides with a leafy pattern, so that no matter which way the cutlery is laid, the carvings and engravings are visible.
Size-fork is 7 inches long by 5/8 inches wide; knife is 8.5 inches long by .75 inches wide. Case overall is 11 3/8 inches long by 9 7/8 inches wide by 2.75 inches high.
Weight-2.1 kilos.
Several handles have very thin age related stable hairlines, and some of the creamy ivory has some darker coloured areas. The case has slight warping to one top corner. The silver plate is in very good unworn condition.
The quality of this set would have made it quite expensive at the original time of purchase.
This is a lovely set in very good condition overall, with well fixed ivory handles having a lovely patina, and great silver plate double struck engraved knife blades and forks. It would make a fine addition to the table to use for dessert, cheese or fruit.
An unusually elegant design.
Serpentine Antiques has dated this piece to the 1880s.
Specialising in unique pieces for the discerning individual, selected and prepared with special care..
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19th Century English Very Attractive Petal Carved Ivory and Engraved Silverplate Dessert Service Canteen for 12 People in the Original Fitted Box.
