Period: Edwardian (early 20thCentury)
Maker: James Deakin & Sons
This boxed set of six silver-plated dessert knives and forks are in the elegant Albany pattern that first appeared in the 1880s. The long flared and fluted handles have a satisfying feel in the hand.
Each knife and fork has a clear impressed mark for James Deakin & Sons: ‘JD’ & ‘S’ plus the company’s trademark, a desk bell. The firm was established in Sheffield in 1865 and had showrooms in London, Glasgow and Belfast.
The knives and forks are housed in a fitted wooden box, with key and working lock. The interior is lined with blue velvet and padded blue silk.
CONDITION The knives and forks are in excellent condition. The wood of the box’s hinged top has split in two places (see photograph), but lid and box are stable.
Knife length: 21 cm; Fork length: 18.5 cm; Wooden box: 34.2 cm x 26.5 cm x 5.5 cm
Weight of individual knives: 46 g
Weight of individual forks: 50 g
Weight of fitted wooden box and cutlery: 2,047 g
Origin: Sheffield, England
