77-piece Canteen of Double Shell & Laurel Pattern Silver Cutlery by Paul Storr, 1815

77-piece Regency Period Double Shell & Laurel Pattern Canteen of Silver Cutlery, London 1813-17 by Paul Storr

The Service

We are proud to be offering a very rare opportunity to purchase a superb early 19th century silver canteen of cutlery in the prestigious Double Shell & Laurel pattern made by the great Paul Storr.

This is a straight service for up to 12 people, although there are only 11 dessert spoons and six teaspoons. The 20th century knives are in Coburg pattern which is another of Storr’s trademark designs.

All the spoons and forks were hand-wrought in London by Paul Storr and bear hallmarks between 1813 and 1817. Each piece bears the same engraved crest, motto and monogram; to the front of the spoons and to the reverse side of the forks (during this period forks were laid with tines facing the table). The crest features a garb (wheatsheaf) and the Latin motto reads: DILIGENTIA DITAT (translates to Diligence Enriches).

The quality of this set is extraordinary with the decoration just oozing high class and each piece having a good, hefty feel in the hand.

The 24 knives date from the mid-1960’s and were made by the top specialist silver cutlery makers, CJ Vander. They make excellent accompaniments to this service, especially as Coburg pattern was originally designed by Paul Storr and there are similarities in the two designs. The knives benefit from being fitted with stainless steel blades and are engraved with a crest (different to the other pieces). We would be happy to remove the knives from the set if not wanted.

Double Shell & Laurel Pattern

Double Shell & Laurel pattern is one of the most prestigious and desirable of all British flatware designs. First made by Paul Storr circa 1810 for the royal goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, the pattern must have had an extraordinary premium price as very few services exist. See photo showing a highlighted section from "Silver Flatware" by Ian Pickford.

The Maker

Paul Storr is acknowledged as the greatest British silversmith of the 19th century. During the Regency period his flamboyant designs were often commissioned on behalf of the royal jewellers Rundell, Bridge & Rundell and the quality is always of the very highest standard.

Storr designed several new flatware patterns with Coburg and Double, Shell & Laurel being among the most important.

Components

This 77-piece service consists of the following:

• 12 Table Spoons – 22.2cm long
• 12 Table Knives (Coburg) – 26cm long
• 12 Table Forks – 20.2cm long
• 12 Dessert Knives (Coburg) – 22.2cm long
• 12 Dessert Forks – 17.2cm long
• 11 Dessert Spoons – 17.3cm long
• 6 Teaspoons – 14.3cm long

The total weight of silver is 4065 grams (130.7 troy ounces) + 24 silver handled knives with stainless steel blades.

Options

In addition to this service, we currently also have a selection of Double Shell & Laurel serving and ancillary items in stock, some of which emanated from the same canteen - see photo links below.

The Coburg knives can be removed from the set if desired with an appropriate reduction in price.

Condition

Excellent original condition throughout. The forks tines are very good with minimal unevenness and the spoons retain their bowl tips. The double struck decoration and engraving remains crisp throughout. Four dessert forks (photographed) and one table fork are engraved to the front with discreet initials in addition to the engraving to match all other pieces on the reverse. The service has been given a thorough cleaning.

Presentation

This canteen is offered in seven new anti-tarnish cutlery rolls.

All of our canteens are offered with a full money-back guarantee. We are also happy to send a sample place setting for approval, on receipt of a fully refundable surety payment - just phone or email your preferences. Alternatively, in-person viewings are welcome by appointment.