77-piece Rattail Pattern Canteen, London 1912/20 by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd.
Hanoverian Rattail Pattern
Hanoverian Rattail was first in fashion between 1710 and 1730 and has been reproduced since the 1890’s. It was the first flatware pattern in the UK to be used for complete canteens. Due to it’s elegant lines and proportions it has continued to enjoy great popularity and is probably the most sought after traditional pattern. The front of each piece has a distinctive central ridge, whilst the spoons have the trademark rattail extension to the handle on the reverse side of the bowl.
The Service
This extensive canteen is beautifully presented in a blue baize lined box. All the pieces are in fabulous polished condition without engravings. All the spoons, forks and serving items were made by the same maker (a straight canteen), although they are from different dates. The twelve table and dessert knives are modern with hallmarked silver handles. The Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company Ltd. were one of the premier retailers and these pieces were hand-forged (as opposed to the inferior machine-made) and subsequently each piece has a good solid feel in the hand. The range of serving items present are an added bonus and the entire canteen is in wonderful condition oozing quality.
The Maker
The Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company Limited were a large business of retailer jewellers and silversmiths established in 1880. They had their main showrooms at 112, Regent Street, London. They supplied silver to royal families and governments all over the world as they proudly boast in their 1903/4 catalogue of which we are pleased to have a copy. This catalogue has almost 400 pages of lavishly illustrated wares. Within the canteens section of the catalogue the company provide a warning about buying inferior spoons and forks (see image at the bottom of the page). As previously stated, this rattail canteen is hand-wrought and would therefore have been their "best quality".
Components and Measurements
This 77-piece service consists of the following:
Inside Lid:-
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12 off table/dinner knives; length: 9.75" (248mm);
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2 off butter knives; length: 5.4" (137mm); weight: 47 grams (1.5 tr. oz.);
Top Tray:-
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12 off table/dinner forks; length: 8.3" (211mm); weight: 890 grams (28.6 tr. oz.);
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12 off dessert or starter knives; length: 8.5" (216mm);
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12 off dessert or starter forks; length: 6.85" (174mm); weight: 600 grams (19.3 tr. oz.);
Drawer-
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12 off table/soup spoons; length: 8.25" (210mm); weight: 924 grams (29.7 tr. oz.);
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12 off dessert spoons; length: 6.75" (171mm); weight: 596 grams (19.2 tr. oz.);
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2 off sauce ladles; length: 7.2" (183mm); weight: 156 grams (5 tr. oz.);
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Basting Spoon; length: 11.8" (300mm); weight: 154grams (5 tr. oz.);
Total weight of weighable silver 3367 grams (108.3 tr. oz.) This figure excludes the twenty four knives.
Condition
Excellent. All the fork tines are full length and each piece is in a fine polished finish. There are neither engravings nor erasures. Lovely condition throughout.
Presentation
This canteen benefits from being presented in a wooden box that has been especially laid out for the pieces present. The box is lockable and the key is present. The box has one drawer that can only be withdrawn when the box is unlocked. There is a brass escutcheon to the top of the box which is engraved "E". The box is in fine condition.
Price: £4250
Ref. No.: KU/9120
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.
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