Bidspirit auction | AN ENGLISH OR FRENCH FOUR-PIECE

AN ENGLISH OR FRENCH FOUR-PIECE SILVER MINIATURE SET, 19TH CENTURY - Comprising a miniature serving spoon, flat spatula or shovel-form implement, three-tine fork, and small knife, each mounted with carved ivory handles of baluster and T-form profiles. The silver fittings chased with restrained foliate ornament at the junctions and terminals, the spoon bowl engraved with a scrolling leaf motif. The knife fitted with a curved blade and silver ferrule engraved with floral decoration, the handle cap pierced and engraved. The reverse of the silver elements bearing a series of small stamped marks including an oval maker’s mark ”WH” and additional struck symbols, consistent with 19th-century English or Continental silver miniatures. Such diminutive table sets were produced as functional curiosities or novelty items, often for tasting, condiments, or display in a cabinet of curios, and reflect the Victorian taste for finely crafted miniature silver wares. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions offers in-house shipping. In case we can not accommodate a shipping request, a list of additional shippers will be provided. Dimensions: L: 6 3/8 in., (16.2 cm.) spoon. Condition: Wear consistent with age and use, including surface scratching, spotting, and light oxidation to the silver.