34-piece Lily Pattern Canteen, London 1876 by Francis Higgins
We
are offering for sale a superb thirty four piece flatware and cutlery service of
Lily Pattern
The flowing lines of this naturalistic pattern give the items an Art Nouveau feel, however the original design of Lily pattern pre-dated the Art Nouveau movement by some fifty years. It was originally designed by Elkington & Company for the Great Exhibition of 1851 at the Crystal Palace. The majority of Elkington made pieces are electroplate, but the London firms of Chawner and Company and Francis Higgins produced the pattern in hallmarked silver.
The Maker
The Higgins family have been involved with the silver trade since the late 18th Century when Francis Higgins I was apprenticed to the spoonmaker Stephen Adams. It was in 1817 that Francis Higgins II first entered a mark at the London assay office. Francis Higgins II is renown for his fine quality of workmanship producing some of the finest pieces of flatware during the 19th Century. It was this same Francis Higgins that was still charge of the company when this Lily Pattern canteen was produced (aged 85 years old). After the death of Francis Higgins II in 1880, his son continued the business (Francis Higgins III) and then his grandson (nor surprisingly - Francis Higgins IV) continued the firm on well in to the 20th Century as Francis Higgins & Son. .
The Service
The twenty two spoons and forks are in fabulous condition and were made by the same premier maker in 1876 (except one dessert spoon that is marked for Francis Higgins in London 1925, although it is identical in every way). Each piece has a good solid feel in the hand. To the front terminal of each piece an engraved cipher can be found, with a fouled anchor crest above. The presence of this crest suggests that the original owner was probably a high ranking member of the Royal Navy.
The knives are top quality new Sheffield made examples with stainless steel blades. Antique Lily Pattern knives in good order are extremely scarce.
Components and Measurements
This 34-piece service consists of the following:
6
Table/Dinner Forks - Length: 8.45” (215mm); weight: 592 g (19 troy
ounces)
6 Dessert/Luncheon
Forks - Length: 7.3” (185mm); weight: 341g (11 troy ounces) 6 Dessert/Breakfast
Spoons - Length: 7.15” (182mm); weight: 347g (11.2 troy ounces). 4
Serving/table Spoons – Length:
8.75” (222mm); weight 385g (12.4 troy ounces) 6
Table/Dinner Knes - Length:
10.25” (260mm); with stainless steel blades 6 Dessert/Luncheon Knives - Length:
8.6” (218mm); with stainless steel blades
Total weight of spoons and forks 1665 grams (53.6 troy ounces).
Condition
Excellent. All fork tines are equal and full length and spoon bowls are unworn. Polished throughout.
Presentation
This service is offered loose (i.e. as it comes), however, anti-tarnish cutlery rolls are available on request.
Price: SOLD
Ref. No.: HP/C9508
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.
Payment options Contact us for more information
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