64-piece Old English Feather Edge Pattern Canteen, London 1798 by William Eley & William Fearn
Old English Feather Edge Pattern
Old English Pattern was first introduced circa 1770 and the addition of a simple but effective bright-cut engraved feathered edging followed soon after. This extra added detail broke up the plainness of the pattern, but it came at a premium cost and was only affordable by the very rich - therefore few canteens exist today.
The Makers
Eley and Fearn were one of the most important flatware specialist makers in English silver and played a major role in the finest spoon making dynasty. William Fearn was apprenticed to Thomas Chawner and William Eley was apprenticed to Fearn. Towards the end of the 19th Century, they were the leaders in the field for stylistic developments and were commissioned to undertake some of the major services of the period. A more complete biography of this pair can be found on our spoonmakers page at this link: William Eley & William Fearn
The Service
This top quality straight flatware service is in excellent condition with 58 pieces made by Eley & Fearn and dating from 1797/98. To have this number of original pieces from a Georgian service is quite a rarity. We have added a set of six earlier feather edge dessert spoons (from the 1770's) to make up the numbers (there were only 10 dessert spoons) and so four spare spoons are now available. The extra dessert spoons bear an engraved crest and are slightly longer in length (see below for comparison photos).
All the spoon bowls and fork tines remain in first class condition. We are particularly pleased to state that all the fork tines at full and equal length (generally they are worn down). Each piece has a good solid feel in the hand.
Components and Measurements
This 64-piece service consists of the following:
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12 off table/serving spoons; length: 8.6" (218mm); weight: 704grams (22.6 tr. oz.)
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12 off table/dinner forks; length: 7.9" (197mm); weight: 851 grams (27.4 tr. oz.);
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12 off dessert or starter forks; length: 6.65" (169mm); weight: 487 grams (15.7 tr. oz.);
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16 off dessert spoons; length: 6.75" (171mm) & 7" (178mm) ; weight: 528 grams (17 tr. oz.);
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12 off teaspoons; length: 5.15" (131mm); weight: 166 grams (5.3 tr. oz.);
Total weight of weighable silver 2736 grams (88 tr. oz.)
Condition
Excellent. All the fork tines are full length and spoon bowls retain their thick tips.
Presentation
This service is offered loose (i.e. as it comes), however, anti-tarnish cutlery rolls are available on request.
As with all the canteens available from our web-site, we are happy to send a sample place setting for approval, on receipt of a fully refundable surety payment, prior to purchasing this canteen.
| Ref.: FG/D2402 | Price: SOLD |
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A comparison between canteen dessert spoons and extra set of six |
Showing the crest on the extra set of dessert spoons |