Description

A handsome set of antique sterling silver cutlery for 12 people. 60 pieces. Very elegant fiddle, thread and shell pattern.

Total weight excluding knives 4314 grams, 138.7 troy ounces.

Flatware all by Mary Chawner London 1834/5 (except 2 dinner forks London 1838).

Sterling silver.

12 dinner forks 1185 grams L20.4 cm

12 large spoons 1218 grams L22 cm

12 dessert forks 759 grams L17 cm

12 dessert spoons 732 grams L18 cm

12 teaspoons 420 grams L16.9 cm

Literature. Table silver was made in sets from circa 1690 onwards but did not come into popular use until the late 18th century when fashionable hosts started to lay their tables with a matching set of cutlery and flatware for their guests. Boxed sets were displayed on the sideboard and could be carried to other family residences.

This impressive set of sterling silver cutlery is in very good condition. All the flatware was made in 1834 and 1835 except 2 dinner forks which are 1838. All by the same maker Mary Chawner. Every piece is stamped on the reverse with a full set of English silver hallmarks. The fork prongs are not worn. The spoon bowls are not thin. 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.

Maker: Mary 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. Wm Eley, Wm Fearn & Wm Chawner WE/WF/WC 1808 - 1815 William Chawner WC & W.C 1815 - 1834 Mary Chawner MC 1834 - 1840 Mary Chawner & George Adams MC/GA 1840 George Adams GA 1840 - 1883

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