Burnell and Rowe

Description

Here we have a striking Cased Victorian Sterling Silver Bowl and Spoon Set. The bowl is circular with a crimped rim and a gilt interior. The spoon is in the revived Trefid pattern that originally dated to the 17th century. The fitted box is dark red with a satin lining to the lid and a velvet tray for the bowl and spoon. There are no initials or personalisation of any kind.

The set was made in Birmingham by silversmiths Vale Brothers & Sermon, with the bowl dating to 1891 and the spoon to 1893. Vale Brothers & Sermon were founded around 1880 and were active as both electroplaters and silversmiths at premises in Spencer Street in the heart of Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter. They primarily produced good quality tableware, assayed in either Birmingham or Chester, and remained in business until around 1916. The box has the retailer's mark for Wheaton & Bennett of Oxford Street in London.

Condition is very good with just one small ding in the side of the bowl plus the superficial surface wear that has to be expected after over 130 years of use. The case is a little scuffed on the outside but the inside is in nice condition and the hinges and clasp are in full working order. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The bowl is 9.3cm / 3.6ins in diameter and stands 4cm / 1.6ins high. The spoon is 12.7cm / 5ins long. The bowl and spoon together weigh in at a very respectable 66.8g / 2.35oz of solid Sterling Silver and all boxed up the set weighs 221g / 7.8oz.

The hallmarks, on the outside of the bowl and the underside of the spoon, are well struck and clear to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the anchor assay mark for Birmingham, the date letter r for 1891 on the bowl and t for 1893 on the spoon and the V B & S makers' mark for Vales Brothers & Sermon.

Shipping in the UK is £12.50 by Royal Mail Special Delivery, which includes cover for the value of the set.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.