Sterling Silver Fruit Serving Set by Sibray, Hall & Co Antique Victorian 1880s

  

Sterling Silver Fruit Serving Set by Sibray, Hall & Co - Antique Victorian (1881). An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver fruit serving set - boxed; an addition to our dining silverware collection. This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver fruit serving set consists of a knife, pair of fruit serving spoons, sauce/cream ladle and a sugar sifter.

Each piece has been crafted in the Italian/Venetian pattern; this pattern incorporates an array of scrolling leaf designs accented with an interlacing trellis motif all on a matte background and terminating with a wreath bordered cartouche. The fruit knife is fitted with a double edged hallmarked blade embellished with an impressive panel of bright cut engraved interlacing lozenge designs accented with scroll leaf motifs, all on a matte background.

The posterior surface of the blade is ornamented with a paralleling bright cut engraved simple border and scrolling leaf designs to the serrated edge. The serving spoons have elongated, rounded bowls encompassed with an egg decorated border to the rim, in addition to an exceptional bright cut engraved stemmed fruiting tree design to the surface of each bowl.

The bowl of the sifter ladle is ornamented with pierced decorated scrolling designs emanating from the centre. Each spoon has a plain posterior surface accented with an impressive Italian/Venetian pattern heel; this ornamentation reflects the design of the handle and continues the scrolling leaf decoration, on a matte background. The anterior and posterior surface of each piece retains the original gilding; this has worn with age in a sympathetic fashion to an aesthetically pleasing mellow colour.

This antique afternoon tea service is fitted to the original hinged leatherette box with satin and velvet lined interior, securing with a push fit catch. This antique silver fruit serving set is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. The bright cut engraved decoration is very crisp and the ornamentation to each handle and heel is very sharp.

Full hallmarks struck to the reverse surface of each spoon and surface of the knife blade, in addition to part hallmarks to the knife's ferrule are all very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the exceptional gauge of silver. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of these pieces of antique teaware. Length of knife 28.5cm/11.2. Length of serving spoon 21.1cm/8.3. Length of ladle/sifter 15.5cm/6.1. Maker: Sibray, Hall & Co. Andrew Campbell founder and owner of AC Silver has been dealing in antique diamond & gemstone jewellery and antique sterling silver since 1977. In addition to his high quality Newcastle-based shop, Andrew has developed what is now an established and internationally recognised online store. All orders placed before 2pm GMT are dispatched the same day. Company Name: AC Silver Unlimited.