The Victorian era, named after England's beloved Queen Victoria, lasted from the 1830's to the turn of the 20th century and was an era of abundance and beauty. A lovely example of the lush aesthetic that was so popular during that era is this sumptuous 27-piece cutlery service.

Comprised of both a magnificent 12-piece fish service for 6 and a matching dessert service for 6, along with a trio of serving pieces, these auxiliary services were designed to be an exuberant compliment to the traditional patterns of standard table cutlery. In true Victorian fashion, an affluent, well-managed home would have specific cutlery for each course or type of food being served. Thus, fish cutlery was used for fish and the dessert course would also have its own purpose-specific knives and forks. Today of course, we're no longer bound by Victorian etiquette rules and we find ourselves using fish knives as spreaders on a cheese or charcuterie board and dessert cutlery for appetizer, salad, or cheese courses.

The handles of both services have a lavish arabesque-style silhouette dressed with beautifully chased designs of scrolling leafy flourishes and florals, while the blades of the knives are graced with intricate hand-engraved garlands of ivy. Completing the set are three serving pieces: a spreader, a cake knife and a serving fork. (During the Victorian era, this type of three-pronged serving fork would have been used exclusively for serving bread, but we find these forks ideal for serving a multitude of things - from meats, to sliced dessert breads and cakes.) No stranger to presentation, this exquisite set is neatly packed in the original wood case lined in brilliant cerulean silk fabric.

Produced in the late 1800s by the skilled silversmiths at William Bruford & Sons of Exeter, England, we are certain this opulent double service will be a cherished addition to your tableware collection. Rich with details, these heirloom cutlery services are nothing less than jewelry for the table and promise to elevate any dining experience.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. Handwash Only. Box measures 19" x 12.25" Fish Knives measure 9.25" in length; Fish Forks 7.5"; Dessert Knives 9"; Dessert Forks 7.5"; Cake Knife 10.5" in length; Spreader 7.5"; Serving Fork 8.25" in length.

Learn More About Fish Cutlery

Specific cutlery for eating fish evolved in the early 19th century. In 1838 a book of etiquette noted that, 'in first rate society, silver knives are now beginning to be used for fish: a very pleasing, as well as decided step in the progress of refinement.' People no longer used steel knives and forks, as the steel was said to react with acids in the fish sauces and taint the flavor of the food. Fish knives and forks were commonly called 'fish eaters' or 'fish-eating knives and forks'.

The complicated dining etiquette of the Victorian era encouraged the development of specific utensils for eating particular foods. The proper use of cutlery formed an important and often lengthy section in all the etiquette manuals. As the century progressed, the rules for the use of some cutlery changed, reflecting the refinements that began to differentiate the manners and status of 'old' and 'new' money. The development of fish eaters is a good example of this. Even until the 1880s, most etiquette manuals recommended that fish be eaten using two ordinary table forks or one fork and a piece of bread. As 'fish eaters' became en vogue during the mid 1800s, middle-class families bought the newly developed utensils, as a means to display their disposable income and demonstrate their place in society.

Fish knives and forks that matched the traditional table cutlery pattern did not become popular until the late 19th century. Earlier fish knives and forks had been made with elaborately engraved blades with handles of highly decorative silver, rare ivory, mother-of-pearl, or later ivorine.