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Late Victorian SilverPlate Bone-Handled Fish Serving Set by Barker Brothers 1885

$335
£251
€292.57
CA$471.52
A$479.96
CHF 273.20
MX$5,793.44
NOK 3,185.67
SEK 3,224.08
DKK 2,187.11

About the Item

An exceptional late 19th-century Victorian two-piece fish serving set by the renowned Birmingham silversmiths Barker Brothers who embarked on their business in 1801. This elegantly preserved set comprises a wide, stylized serving knife and a matching four-tine serving fork, safely housed in its original, form-fitted presentation case. The blades showcase the heights of Victorian aesthetic metalwork, featuring intricate pierced filigree openwork, detailed bright-cut engravings of trailing foliage, and a classic central shell motif on the knife spine. The service is completed by natural bone handles, finished with elegant carved ribbing and decorative silver-plated ferrules and endcaps. Both pieces are clearly stamped with Barker Brothers’ distinctive late-Victorian hallmarks, including the gothic initials "B B", a star rosette, and an upward arrow motif. Important to note; the set features the rare "Crown over EP" (Electroplate) mark (see images). Because the British Assay Offices officially banned the use of the crown on silver-plated wares in 1896 to prevent confusion with sterling silver town marks, this diagnostic emblem dates the manufacture of this set precisely between 1880 and 1896. The master serving pieces are in excellent antique condition. The silver plating remains remarkably bright and crisp with no "bleeding" or base-metal exposure, and the engravings show very little signs of wear. The bone handles are stable and securely fitted, showing a beautiful natural patina with no structural cracks. The original presentation case shows honest exterior shelf wear, rubbing, and age-appropriate weathering to the outer surface, scuffing etc; but retains a sound structure and its original, deep crimson silk and velvet lining (see images). Both utensils are ready to enjoy and are completely all original with no restoration or re-plating. The large size and premium quality make these utensils appropriate for fine dining. Provenance: Recently acquired from fine quality San Francisco estate Dimensions: Case= 15 1/2" long x 5 1/4" deep x 1 3'4" high Fork= 9" long Knife= 12 1/2" long and 2" wide Note: I am a second generation antiques dealer and have been dealing in fine quality decorative arts, furniture, jewelry, and paintings for more than 50 years; I am also a member of several prestigious antique associations. Thus, I am well qualified to inspect and evaluate the products I offer for sale and I guarantee this to be authentic and as I have described.

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