This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver fruit serving set consists of a knife, pair of fruit serving spoons, sauce/cream ladle and a sugar sifter.
Each piece has been crafted in the Italian/Venetian pattern; this pattern incorporates an array of scrolling leaf designs accented with an interlacing trellis motif all on a matte background and terminating with a wreath bordered cartouche.
The fruit knife is fitted with a double edged hallmarked blade embellished with an impressive panel of bright cut engraved interlacing lozenge designs accented with scroll leaf motifs, all on a matte background.
The posterior surface of the blade is ornamented with a paralleling bright cut engraved simple border and scrolling leaf designs to the serrated edge.
The serving spoons have elongated, rounded bowls encompassed with an egg decorated border to the rim, in addition to an exceptional bright cut engraved stemmed fruiting tree design to the surface of each bowl.
The bowl of the sifter ladle is ornamented with pierced decorated scrolling designs emanating from the centre.
Each spoon has a plain posterior surface accented with an impressive Italian/Venetian pattern heel; this ornamentation reflects the design of the handle and continues the scrolling leaf decoration, on a matte background.
The anterior and posterior surface of each piece retains the original gilding; this has worn with age in a sympathetic fashion to an aesthetically pleasing mellow colour.
This antique afternoon tea service is fitted to the original hinged leatherette box with satin and velvet lined interior, securing with a push fit catch.
Maker: Sibray, Hall & Co
