DESCRIPTION |
The finest set of early 19th century silver Fiddle pattern table knives available to mankind. From the preeminent silversmith of the period at the peak of his profession working with his favourite flatware pattern. William's own Fiddle pattern canteen had some pieces fitted with similarly proportioned handles in bone. The fiddle shape is expressed by the reed and flute decorated raised terminal sections above the engraved elephant crests. The twelve identical pitch loaded silver handles have expertly fitted new and unused stainless steel blades of exactly the correct style and proportions (parallel blades giving a total length of 10 ½"). The condition is superb, truly exceptional, yet there is no restoration whatsoever. This set of fourteen pieces is in superb and original condition and as such must not only be the finest but also the scarcest. The correct carving knife and fork complete the dream. Same maker and date throughout and each features an engraved elephant head crest. |
SILVERSMITH |
William Chawner II |
DATE or HALLMARK |
1831 |
ASSAY OFFICE |
London |
WEIGHT in GRAMS |
total 1541 |
LENGTH in INCHES |
table knives 10 ½+, the carver 13+. |
SILVER STANDARD |
.925 sterling silver |
OVERALL CONDITION |
excellent and original handles with general light surface marks commensurate with respectful use. Carver blade point deliberately blunted but I can re-point if you wish. I also do this to my own knives as I never use the pointed tip and it can become dangerously sharp. Minor bumps and scuffs to some terminal tips. Some silver solder loss to part of the carver handle terminal tip seam and fractional losses midway of one carver fork handle side seam. Neither of any consequence but perhaps worth attending to next time the handles require re-loading. Satisfyingly firm action to the sprung steel tongue of the carving fork. |
FAULTS |
none |
| £1200 | sold | item number: M4667 |