Sheffield 1891 Solid Silver and Ivory Fish Servers in Original Case by Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co.

Sheffield 1891 English hallmarked solid silver large fish servers with ivory handles, made by William Gibson and John Langman, the first directors of Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company, who were also the retailers of this service. Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co. were very fine retailers, who only sold the finest silver.

The simple double thread designed servers with beautiful undamaged ivory handles having an interesting family crest of an arm holding a dagger, are presented in the wonderful original fitted case with gilt retail label.

Size-impressive at 12.5 inches long slice, 9.75 inches long fork. Both are 2 inches wide.

Weight-300 grams including ivory handles. Weight with case for shipping is 750 grams.

Fish etiquette has always been very important historically. Fish slices began to be used at the dinner table during the early 1700s. They remained popular throughout the 1800s and early 1900s. The blades of fish slices are often made from silver or silver plate as a steel blade would ruin the delicate taste of the fish.

The 1860 advice manual 'The Habits of Good Society' gives clear advice on how to carve and serve different types of fish. It demonstrates the importance of etiquette at the dinner table during this period:

"Fish is cut with a large flat silver knife or fish slice, never with a common one. Of small fish, you send one to each person. All the larger flat fish, such as turbot, John Dorey, brills, &c., must be first cut from head to tail down the middle, and then in portions from this cut to the fin, which being considered the best part, is helped with the rest. Fried soles, on the other hand, are simply cut across, dividing the bone. The shoulder is the best part, and should be first helped. Salmon, being laid on the side, is cut down the middle of the upper side, and then across from the back to the belly. A boiled mackerel serves for four people. The fish-knife is passed from tail to head under the upper side, which is then divided into two. Cod is always crossways".

In very good condition, with just the usual fine surface scratches, these are heavy in weight, impressive in size, have good hallmarks, and were made by very good makers. The original case is also in very good condition. Their design will blend with any other silver pattern.

Now, these slices in addition to serving fish today, are often used for cake and pie as well.

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