Antique Silver Canteen of Cutlery for 12


Date: 1833

Maker: William Chawner

Country: England

Stock: 7832

Description

A superb set of antique sterling silver cutlery in the popular Old English pattern. Excellent plain style. Each piece has a hand engraved crest. 60 pieces including ladles and other serving pieces. Weight 3473 grams, 111.6 troy ounces. All pieces are the same date and maker. London 1833. Maker William Chawner.

Literature: 8 large spoons 616 grams, length 21.5 cms
12 large forks 851 grams, length 20 cms
12 dessert forks 526 grams, length 17.25 cms
12 dessert spoons 534 grams length 16.75 grams
12 tea spoons 249 grams, 13.25 cms
2 small ladles 125 grams, length 17.25 cms
1 large ladle 248 grams, length 34 cms
1 stuffing spoon 137 grams, length 30 cms

Biography

William Chawner

This family business was set up in 1815 by William Chawner and his silver workshop became the most dominant force in silver flatware production through the 19th century. Apprenticed to the William Eley and William Fearn partnership for 7 years from 1797, he became the third partner of this company in 1808. The experience from this top quality partnership provided him with the knowledge to set up his own workshop at 16 Hosier Lane, London to produce some of the finest quality silver spoons and forks of the period. William and his wife Mary, had a son William, who undertook his apprenticeship with his father, and a daughter Mary Ann. On his death in 1834 his widow Mary (also a spoonmaker) took over the business ready for her son William to take over however, in 1838, after completing his apprenticeship he instead entered the church. The family business therefore was left to the George Adams, husband of Mary Ann, to go into partnership with Mary Chawner from 3rd August 1840 until 23rd November of the same year. Under the leadership of George Adams the company flourished and became the most prolific producer of the very best quality silver flatware in a huge variety of patterns. The Chawner & Co. pattern book of circa 1875 is the basis for naming many of the more obscure patterns of the period. Illustrations from the pattern book can be found in Silver Flatware by Ian Pickford. Chawner and company continued trading until the 1880’s using the initials of the owner as it’s maker’s mark. It was sold to Holland, Aldwinckle & Slater in 1883, and carried forward in to the 21st Century via Francis Higgins Ltd.

Condition

This comprehensive set of cutlery is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. All pieces have good, clear silver marks. All same date and maker. A few of the dessert forks have slightly worn prongs. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Images