Antique 24 Piece Silver Plated Bone-handled Fish Knives and Forks in Presentation Box

This is a delicately engraved 24 piece set of fish knives and forks with bone handles dating from the Art Nouveau period as can clearly be seen in its design that is typical of the period.

The knifes have been clearly stamped with A&D S and an hourglass. Due to space limitations on the forks only the knives had these marks. This mark belongs to Allen and Darwin in Sheffield, England.

Charles James Allen(1853-1938) and Sidney Darwin (1851-1928) joined forces in 1887.  Allen had been born in Kentish Town, London, the son of Charles Vincent Allen, a jeweler, and his wife, Amy.   Allen's first job as a teenager was as clicker in the boot trade.  Darwin was born in Sheffield, the son of William Darwin, a draper, and his wife, Elizabeth.  He was the grandson of John Darwin, the owner of Elsecar Ironworks, and worked for several firms before he met Allen. 

Allen & Darwin specialized in silver and plated goods, registering silver marks at the Sheffield Assay Office in 1887 and 1892. The company trade mark was an hourglass and this was used alongside the S for Sheffield in their silver plate marks. Sidney Darwin, died on 21 February 1928, aged 76 with their partnership thus being dissolved in that year. This set does not have a date mark so the closest we can come to dating this piece would be between 1887 and 1927. 

The set comes in its original presentation box, made from walnut, fitted with brass hardware throughout and lined in blue velvet. It measures approximately 35cm X 25.5cm X 12cm. We even know the upholsters responsible for the velvet lining as their label is still present on the inside of the box. They were Franklin and Hare based in Taunton. A brass plaque sits at the center of the lid. It was customary to engrave the initials of the lucky recipient of this beautiful gift here. No engraving was ever done leaving it open to engrave your own. The key is still present and the lock mechanism works perfectly. The box does show some wear consistent with age and use and there is what appears to be a water stain on the lid. The Velvet lining is in very good vintage condition with no rips or damage but could probably benefit from a good, professional cleaning.

The knives and forks are in a very good condition. Some of the set has clearly been used more than the rest as the handles have coloured more with use - you can clearly see this in the photos. Some of the silver plate is a little more worn on a couple of pieces. On one of the forks, the cuff has pulled away slightly from the handle but could easily be fixed in place. Every piece is useable and the set looks stunning. The knives are 22cm long and the forks 19cm.

Not only is this set beautiful but it becomes even more incredible when you stop and ponder all the skills, artistry and history that came together to create it.