Dessert service - .925 silver, gold plating

Important and extremely refined English dessert cutlery set, completely made in solid sterling silver 925, the work of the prestigious firm Crichton Bros., London – New York – Chicago, circa 1902.

Magnificent original set composed of 24 pieces:
• 12 dessert knives,
• 12 forks,
stored in its spectacular original case of noble wood with a purple velvet interior.

The set is distributed on two inner levels:
• 6 knives and 6 forks on the upper level,
• 6 knives and 6 forks on the lower level.

The most exceptional and rare aspect of this service is that the pieces are made entirely in solid sterling silver 925, including:
• the full blades of the knives,
• the internal structures,
• the mounts,
• the complete forks,
• and all decorative elements.

This is not a service with steel or plated metal blades, but an authentic luxury set fully executed in high-purity English silver, reserved exclusively for aristocratic clients and households of very high social standing at the beginning of the 20th century.

The blades retain their elegant original gilt on silver, a technique used in high-end English cutlery to protect surfaces during the service of fruit, desserts, and fine pastries.

The handles showcase genuine natural mother-of-pearl, worked and set manually through an extremely delicate and costly artisanal process. The quality of the join between the silver and the mother-of-pearl demonstrates an exceptional level of silversmithing typical of the great British houses of the Belle Époque.

The set preserves original English punch marks:
• lion passant for sterling silver 925,
• London leopard’s head,
• master’s mark 'LAC' corresponding to Lionel Alfred Crichton,
• and date letter corresponding to roughly the year 1902.

The Crichton Bros. firm was one of the most prestigious silver houses of the British Empire, specializing in luxury pieces destined for aristocrats, diplomats, and major international collectors. The original case plaque indicates its offices in:
London – New York – Chicago.

This type of tableware was not merely place settings, but true symbols of social prestige used at private receptions, ceremonial dinners, and the homes of English and American high society during the Edwardian period.

Approximate measurements:
• knives: 20.5 × 1.5 × 1.3 cm
• forks: 16.5 × 1.5 × 1.2 cm
• case: 32 × 24.5 × 6.5 cm

Total weight with case: 1918 g
Approximate weight in silver only: 1062 g

Very good condition for its age, with strong visual presence, magnificent historic patina, and excellent aesthetic quality.

An extremely elegant piece, rare and of great collector’s value.

The photo is part of the description.