Object Description
A rare George III antique silver fiddle thread pattern dessert service made by the Royal goldsmith, Paul Storr, for the 9th Earl of Thanet (Sackville Tufton).
Each piece of the service is engraved with the Earl’s crest.
Comprising:
24 dessert forks
24 dessert spoons
Total: 48 pieces.
The dessert forks are made in 1818 (four in 1820) and the dessert spoons in 1820.
The set is in good condition with clear marks and excellent patina.
The Tuftons were an immensely wealthy family who frequented the finest silversmiths, such as Paul de Lamerie and Paul Storr.
In the mid 1980s, one of the finest collections of Paul de Lamerie silverware owned by the Earls of Thanet was sold at Sotheby’s London.
It is interesting to note, that the 9th Earl, Sackville Tufton, spent much time in Vienna and France where this pattern of flatware was very popular.
The pattern is first found in France in the mid-18th century, but only really became popular in England in the early 19th century.
The style of this dessert service is known as “French style” as the spoons and forks turn the same way and were designed to be laid on the table face down (showing the crest), rather than the more common English way of lying on the front.
Dimensions: length (of dessert spoons) 17.2 cm, length (of dessert forks) 17.6 cm; weight 81 troy oz.