Antique English 5-piece meat carving set, Sheffield, 1912, featuring natural stag antler handles, hallmarked sterling silver mounts, and traditional Sheffield steel.

The complete set consists of:

Large carving knife

Smaller carving knife

Large two-prong carving fork

Smaller two-prong carving fork

Sharpening / honing steel

Each implement is fitted with a substantial natural stag antler (stag horn) handle and richly decorated sterling silver mounts.

The silver fittings bear full English hallmarks for Sheffield, 1912, together with the distinctive JB maker's mark in two conjoined circles for John Biggin / John Biggin Ltd., manufacturer of the sterling silver mounts.

The principal carving knife is marked:

HAND FORGED

ASTRAL

SHEFFIELD

TRADE MARK

SHEAR STEEL

WARRANTED

ASTRAL is a period Sheffield cutlery trade mark. The specific manufacturer associated with the Astral trade mark has not been conclusively identified, so Astral is described here as the blade trade mark rather than as the maker of the complete set.

The natural stag handles have excellent character and texture and are complemented by substantial decorative sterling silver caps and ferrules with ornate floral, foliate and scroll decoration.

CONDITION

The five carving implements are in good antique condition, particularly considering their age of more than 110 years. No significant damage has been noted. The natural stag handles are well preserved and the sterling silver mounts retain strong decorative detail. The steel components show normal age-related patina, spotting, surface marks and evidence of use consistent with an authentic antique carving set.

The original fitted presentation case is included, but its condition is notably poorer than that of the carving set itself.

The case is currently separated into two halves. The lid and base were originally joined by a fabric hinge concealed beneath the black textured exterior covering. This fabric hinge has deteriorated and torn with age, allowing the two halves to separate. The exterior clasps are also no longer present. The fitted interior remains and continues to hold and display the complete five-piece set.

Please see the photographs carefully for the condition of both the implements and the original case.