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,
kept in its spectacular original presentation case of fine wood with a purple velvet interior.

The set is arranged in two inner levels:
• 6 knives and 6 forks on the upper part,
• 6 knives and 6 forks on the lower part.

The most exceptional and rare feature 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 blades or electroplated metal, but an authentic luxury ensemble fully executed in high‑grade English silver, reserved exclusively for aristocratic clients and families of the highest social standing at the beginning of the 20th century.

The blades retain their elegant original gilding over silver, a technique used in high‑luxury English cutlery to protect surfaces during the service of fruits, desserts, and fine pastries.

The handles feature genuine natural mother-of-pearl worked and installed by hand through an extremely delicate and costly artisanal process. The quality of the silver–nacre joint demonstrates an exceptional level of silversmithing typical of the great British houses of the Belle Époque.

The set retains original English hallmarks:
• lion passant of sterling silver 925,
• London leopard head,
• master’s mark “LAC” corresponding to Lionel Alfred Crichton,
• and date letter corresponding approximately to the year 1902.

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

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

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 alone: 1062 g

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

An extremely elegant, rare piece of great collector value.

The photo is part of the description.