Boxed 68-piece Bead Pattern Canteen, London 1860-82 by George Adams
Bead Pattern
Bead Pattern is one of the most desirable of all patterns and yet it can be very difficult to find. It is one of the few patterns that treads the fine line between a simple elegance and a decorative appeal (i.e. not too plain and not too ornate)
The pattern’s full name is Old English Bead as it takes its’ general form from the plain Old English Pattern. It was particularly popular during two main periods of production the late 1770’s & 80’s and then again in the last forty years of the 19th Century.
The double-struck nature of the pattern (i.e. decoration on both sides) ensures that a good gauge of silver was used in manufacture and therefore all the spoons and forks in this service have a hefty feel in the hand.
The Maker
All the spoons and forks within this canteen were made by Chawner & Company and marked with the "GA" mark of it's owner - George W Adams. The vast majority of pieces bear London hallmarks for 1862. Chawner & Company were the premier silver flatware making outfit of the 19th Century. They produced some of the finest spoons and forks from their Hosier Lane workshops. Each piece was hand-wrought in the traditional manner and are amongst the finest quality likely to be encountered. A brief biography of Chawner and Company can be found by clicking this link.
The Service
This excellent 12 place settings canteen is attractively presented in an oak box with blue baize lining. All the pieces are in excellent polished condition and have a good solid feel in the hand. One of the benefits of buying a same maker canteen is the future possibility of adding pieces that are an almost exact match in terms of size, proportions and pattern. We always hold a stock of pieces by this maker and would be happy to augment the size of this service on request. Furthermore, we are able to supply serving items by this maker and can forward details on request.
We shall be happy to supply a set of twenty four new silver handled Bead Pattern knives with stainless steel blades on request. These would be supplied in anti-tarnish cutlery rolls.
Components and Measurements
This 68-piece service consists of the following:
· 12 off table/soup spoons; length: 8.75" (224mm); weight: 1065 grams (34.25 tr. oz.);
· 12 off table/dinner forks; length: 8.1" (206mm); weight: 1091 grams (35.1 tr. oz.);
· 12 off dessert or starter forks; length: 6.9" (176mm); weight: 670 grams (21.5 tr. oz.);
· 12 off dessert spoons; length: 6.9" (176mm); weight: 672 grams (21.6 tr. oz.);
· 18 off teaspoons; length: 5.6" (143mm); weight: 498 grams (16 tr. oz.); N.B. their large size makes them also useful for sorbet, yoghurt, mousse etc.
· Pair of Sauce Ladles; length: 7.25" (184mm); weight: 154 grams (5 tr. oz.);
Total weight of weighable silver 4150 grams (133.4 tr. oz.)
Plus 12 Table Knives and 12 Dessert Knives on request.
Condition
Excellent polished condition. All the fork tines are full length and the spoon bowls are unworn. The bead decoration is crisp throughout. All the items in this canteen are free from any engravings (initials or crests).
Presentation
This canteen benefits from being presented in a wooden oak box with individual slots for each piece. This is a superb canteen!
| Ref.: SR/3607 | Price: SOLD |
N.B. The cost to supply this service with 24 additional new silver handled Bead Pattern knives in anti-tarnish cutlery rolls will be £4675.
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
A sample place setting with optional new silver handled knives |