You've created the scene. Your linens are pressed and your flatware is polished. Your china is carefully placed and your glassware sparkles through the candlelight. You arrange a fragrant bouquet for the center of the table and peruse your whites and reds for the most perfect wine to pair with the evening...when suddenly...

We've all been there. Your guests are about to arrive. You've mapped out the entire evening and suddenly you realize, you don't have enough serving utensils! While the strict confines and elaborate etiquette of the Victorian era is thankfully firmly in the past, each item on your menu still deserves elegant servingware that elevates and complements your culinary creations.

From the silver markets in northern England, we are pleased to present this magnificent Victorian Silverplate Serving Set in its original presentation case lined with a brilliant kelly green velveteen. Crafted more than 100 years ago by the venerable silversmiths at Mappin & Webb and bearing their mark for Prince's Plate, these lovely implements with their pierced silverwork design make a charming addition to any buffet or table.

Gleaming with an energetic sparkle as only silverplate can, each server has been executed with a design that incorporates lacy open silversmithing surrounding a bold, central sash-like focal point. On the reverse, an articulated botanic leaf motif adds sophistication and refinement. Whether used as a set to secure delicious contents from a passed plate or separated for lifting slices of meats or vegetables from the buffet, this stunning set is as pretty as it is practical. Sure to add glamor and sophistication to your entertaining repetoire, this versatile set promises to become a much reached-for favorite.

Learn More about Mappin & Webb

While it would eventually grow to become England's premier silversmith, the origin of Mappin & Webb is a true family story. With roots dating to 1775 when cutler Jonathan Mappin opened his own workshop in Sheffield, the Mappin silver business passed from father to son to grandson becoming Mappin Brothers Ltd. in the mid 18th century under the management of Jonathon’s four great grandsons - William, Edward, Joseph and John.

As the business grew, each brother took his own path. Not many years into this incarnation, eldest brother William left the business in 1859 to strike out on his own, followed the next year by John, the youngest, who tried his hand at a retail location on London's Oxford Street, naming it Mappin & Company. When brother-in-law George Webb joined John's Oxford Street business, the location was re-styled Mappin & Webb Ltd, before becoming Mappin, Webb & Co., with the pair's focus remaining very much on the manufacturing and sale of silverwares based in Sheffield.  

In the meatime, Mappin Brothers Ltd of Sheffield remained with the middle two brothers, Joseph and Edward. They also acquired central London showrooms in 1856 and 1861, laying the claim to be the only Sheffield cutlery manufacturer selling direct to customers in London. Succeeding generations in Sheffield eschewed the family business which was eventually acquired by John Mappin, who incorporated it into Mappin & Webb Ltd. in 1903, capitalizing on the fine reputation of the Mappin name and consolidating all branches of the family business into ‘Mappin & Webb Ltd incorporating Mappin Brothers.'

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. Box in good antique condition with signs of age as seen in the alternate images. Tined server measures 6"L x 1.5"W. Curved server measures6.25"L x 1.5"W. Box measures 7.75"W x 4.5"D x 1"H.