The set of twelve spoons are still in the original cerise pink silk lined box – a bit battered buthten aren’t we all?

The spoons are in the rattail design-  a traditional style of tableware known for its elegant simplicity and historical charm. Characterised by a subtle raised ridge, or “tail”, on the reverse side of the cutlery handle, it has been a favourite among discerning diners for centuries.

Learn more about rattail flatware 

This set, by the silversmtih George Adams  is bright cut engraving enhancing the elegant sinlicity of the design

This salver dates from the very early years of Queen Victoria’s reign and already we can see how styles have changed but also the thickness of the silver.  The wars were over and so there was now more money for luxury goods – this weight and style of this salver reflects very  much these changes in circumstances

Naturalistic elements were popular in this period and here you can see the flowers and entwined foliage that form the border.   Look , too, at the wonderful chased detail on the plate of the salver

The detail on the feet is also extra- again flowers and foliage

By the way :  A salver is not a tray .  Follow the link to find out why a salver is not a tray!

This salver could be used to serve drinks and food, grapes with cheese or as a centre piece on a table.  Originally it may well have been put on hall table to impress the people dropping by and leaving their calling cards

Fine weight ,by well regarded silversmiths, Barnard Bros , the condition is exceptional – the salver is almost 200 years old

This set which is in the original silk lined wooden box would have been originally for eating the fruit from the estate’s orangery . There is a second layer of six pairs below

They are larger than usual and would be be ideal for salads and starters , for cheese and even for the original use- fruit!

The blades and tynes of the forks are all finely engraved.

Fine condition

The chased scalloped edge of the dish is also pierced and on the shaped handle there is a reserve for your initials or maybe your coat of arms to be engraved?

The shell motif was often used specially in 19th century silver

The dish stands on three serrated ball feet – such detail

This shell dish is the perfect size for serving fruits – specially grapes to accompany a cheese board

The mid 19th century was the high point of the English ritual of “afternoon tea,” popularized by Anna, Duchess of Bedford in the 1840s.

This tea set would have been the height of fashion at that time

Weighing 1,660 grams ,all three pieces of the set are very impressive – and that’s what you wanted to do – impress the neighbours.

The set has an elegant curved shape with  finely hand chased flowers and foliage decorating the convex sides.  There are reserves on either side of each piece which may originally have engraved initials or even the family’s coat of arms.  The flower finial on the domed lid add that extra something.

The sugar bowl and cream jug retain the original gilding

Such quality !

Each piece of the tea set is hand engraved with decorative swirls amongst flowers and foliage – in the style of the period.   There are shaped reserves for engraving

The spout of the tea pot has extra detail as have the hanldes of the three pieces

The interiors of the sugar bowl  and creamer still retain the original gilding

The finial of the lid of the tea pot is in the form of a flower.

This set is a fine size and excellent weight (1660 grams) and amazing value.

Saffron has always been famously expensive – the world’s most expensive spice by weight – and has been enjoyed for thousands of years in food preparation.

From the mid-18th into the 19th century, a few small silver teapots were produced for serving saffron tea.

Saffron tea was drunk for its well-known health benefits and and although making a silver pot was commensurate with the value of the spice, given saffron’s expense, only small quantities were served and the teapots became miniaturised versions of a regular teapot.

This pot is fine example – note the detail on the spout and the flower finial.

Perfect for tea for one or at a push two!

These tall elegant silver candlesticks are decorated with chased oval lozenges of grecian goddesses on the bases and the tops – a perfect example of the genre

By the well respected maker Hukin & Heath , this English sterling silver and crystal decanter shows once again their stylish designs

This classic shape could have been made yesterday but is well over 100 years old

The lockable decanter would have been made for that best brandy or other special liqueur that the owners would not want the butler to sample

Fits perfectly into a modern home but yet has so much history