Scottish Victorian Silverplate Serving Set

Found at market earlier this year, we were very ecstatic to discover this exquisite Scottish Victorian Silverplate Serving Set from renowned jeweller and engraver David MacGregor. The four-piece set includes two lacy and delicate serving spoons for fruit or whipped cream, grape shears and a darling sugar sifter, perfectly proportioned to sprinkle a final dash of extra sweetness. Prominently featuring finely engraved depictions of native songbirds, this magnificent grouping nestles securely upon a regal blue velveteen within its original presentation case.

Trained by top artisans in 1850s Edinburgh, MacGregor eventually set up premises in his own name as a goldsmith, jeweler and engraver. Benefitting greatly from the revival of interest in all things Scottish through Queen Victoria's love for the country, the firm attained a level of prestige with awards for excellence at international exhibitions in Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as the Royal Warrant granted by the Queen in 1893. Styling himself 'Jeweller to the Queen,' MacGregor commissioned top quality blank silhouettes from the renowned Sheffield silversmiths at Elkington, engraving many of the pieces himself for the ever-growing premises on George Street in Perth.

Additional embellishments on this stunning set reference the fresh and now iconic imagery from Scotland's influential design movement led by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. A contemporary of MacGregor, Mackintosh's cutting edge motifs combining the flourish of Art Nouveau with the simplicity of Japanese forms, were most certainly a direct influence on this most inspired design. Rarely seen at market and highly collectible, the largest surviving body of MacGregor's work is held today by the Perth Museum & Art Gallery.

Versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet stunning to behold on the most special tablescape, these captivating service companions in this antique treasure are a joy to behold, promising to make lovely addition to your silver or servingware collection. 

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. Box measures 10.5"W x 7.25"D x 1.5"H. Spoons measure 9.5"L x 2"W. Shears measure 7.5"L x 2.25"W. Sugar Sifter measures 6.5"L.