Devonshire Pattern Meat Skewer, 1850

Devonshire pattern was named in honour of the Duke of Devonshire, Cavendish family of Chatsworth House, that originally commissioned a service in this design.

This is a fabulous quality antique silver meat skewer with a satisfyingly heavy feel in the hand, crisp decoration and a beautifully engraved crest. The spoon bears the mark of the most important 19th century specialist flatware makers - Chawner & Company (under the ownership of George Adams) and is in fine condition throughout.

Provenance 

This silver skewer bears the griffin’s head crest of the McCalmont family. The dining service from whence this came reputedly first belonged to Hugh McCalmont who was a joint partner in the merchant bank MacCalmont Brothers. When Hugh McCalmont died in 1887 he was reputed to be one of the richest men to die during the 19th century leaving a fortune of £3.1m to his great nephew Harry MacCalmont (1861 to 1902). Harry was a British army officer, race-horse owner, yachtsman and Conservative party politician.

More about this family can be found on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_McCalmont

We currently have more pieces Devonshire pattern pieces in stock from the original McCalmont service.