Elegant English silver-plated flatware service, comprising 12 fruit place settings (knives and forks) and 12 fish place settings (knives and forks), produced between 1880 and 1885 by the renowned Walker & Hall manufactory, based in Sheffield, England. The set, entirely crafted in silver-plated metal in accordance with 19th-century tradition, features handles adorned with the refined King’s pattern—one of the most classic and recognizable motifs in English flatware—characterized by richly embossed scrollwork and foliate decoration. The knife blades are finely hand-engraved with elegant floral and botanical motifs. Each blade bears the “W & H S” mark, accompanied by a flag symbol, identifying the production of Walker & Hall and helping to date the period. The service is preserved in its original oak case, fitted with a blue fabric lining; the lining shows a minor imperfection on the inside of the lid (see photo). Walker & Hall was founded in Sheffield in 1845 by George Walker. After collaborating with Dr. John Wright, known for his pioneering work in electroplating, Walker secured exclusive rights to the process in Sheffield. In 1853, following the addition of Henry Hall, the company adopted the name Walker & Hall. The factory was located on Howard Street in Sheffield, while London showrooms were established at 45 Holborn Viaduct. Over time, numerous branches were opened, including Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Cardiff, Belfast, Hull, and Bristol, as well as international locations in Melbourne and Adelaide (Australia), Cape Town (South Africa), Wellington (1911), and Auckland (1914) in New Zealand. In 1920, the company became a limited liability entity under the name Walker & Hall Ltd. In 1963, it merged into British Silverware Ltd alongside Mappin & Webb and Elkington & Co. Although primarily associated with Sheffield, pieces may also bear assay marks from Birmingham, London, and Chester. Chronology: Walker & Co, 1845–1848. Walker, Coulson & Hall, 1848–1853. Walker & Hall, 1853–1920. Walker & Hall Ltd, 1920–present Part of British Silverware Ltd, 1963–1971. Subsidiary of Mappin & Webb Ltd, a member of Sears Holdings Ltd since 1971. A highly elegant and visually striking ensemble, ideal for collectors of English silver or for elevating a refined, classically styled table setting. Measures width cm. 36 (inc.14,17), depth cm. 26 (inc.10,23), height cm. 8 (inc.3,14).
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SILVER Seller in Prato, Italy
