How are silver plate cutlery sets cleaned?

Clean these sets using warm soapy water and a soft cloth, avoiding harsh abrasive dips that strip the plating. Dry each piece immediately to prevent water spots. For tarnish, apply a specialist silver polish sparingly with gentle strokes. Store the items in their original lined canteens to minimise exposure to air.

How do I identify the period?

Examine the style of the decoration, such as floral Victorian engraving or geometric Art Deco lines. Maker marks and stamps on the metal also provide clues to the decade of manufacture. The materials used for handles, such as carved antler or celluloid, often correspond to specific decades of production.

A fish set includes specialised knives and forks featuring flat, broad blades designed to separate fish flesh from bones easily. They frequently come with matching servers. These pieces often incorporate decorative engraving depicting aquatic or natural scenes on the blade surface.