Description

A good quality set of antique dinner knives with sterling silver handles and stainless steel blades. Good weight and they sit well in the hand. Each bears a hand engraved crest. Used condition. Length 11 cms. London 1818. Maker William Chawner II. All same date and maker.

This useful set of knives is in good but used condition. No restoration. All fully matching. Each knife has an engraved crest and full set of hallmarks. Each knife has quite a few tiny dinks but there are also some larger dents. The stainless steel blades are replacements, probably because the original steel blades were rusted away. 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: 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.

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