Antique Flatware Set for 12 Silver Plate Mother of Pearl (4538)
Antique silver plate and mother of pearl set of flatware in original fitted box. Made in England, late 19th - early 20th century. Measurements: Box is a little over 11 1/2 inches X 10 1/4 X 2 3/4 inches. Knives just over 8 1/8 inch long. Forks 6 3/4 inches long. Gorgeous wooden box. Burl walnut lined with blue velvet. Top of lid has a large brass plate, intended for being engraved with a monogram or family crest. Two levels of cutlery - 6 knives and 6 forks held in each. Set could be used for desert/fruit/luncheon or fish. Very solid, well designed set. Quiet elegance without an excess of adornment, which allows the strength of the simple folded silver bands joining blade/tyne to handle, the subtle design of the forks and the marvelous beauty of natural mother of pearl to shine through. Some of the pieces have a black fish depicted, which hints that the set might have been used for fish (although the knives are not classic fish knife form). All blades and forks have pseudo hallmar