Gorgeous Antique
Victorian Mother of Pearl & Silver Plate Caviar or Fish Servers.
A
two-piece mother of pearl serving set likely dating to the late Victorian or
Edwardian period, consisting of a fish-shaped spoon and matching three-tine
fork, dating to c1890, most likely originating from Europe.
Both
serving heads are crafted from genuine hand-carved mother of pearl (nacre),
displaying natural iridescence with soft ivory, pearl, and pale green tones
that shift beautifully in the light. The spoon is engraved with a cross-hatched
scale pattern forming a stylised fish body, while the fork mirrors the flowing
organic curves of the companion piece.
The
shell elements are attached to slender silver-plated metal bamboo-style
baluster turned handles using traditional mechanical pin construction concealed
beneath decorative trefoil-motif collars.
Sets
such as these were likely intended for serving fish, seafood or delicate
appetisers, reflecting the elaborate dining customs and decorative tableware
traditions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These sets were for scooping and a matching small fork, often used
together for seafood hor d'oeuvres, condiments, or small bites alongside a
formal caviar service. They would ensure that the fragile flavour profile of
the caviar isn't oxidized or tainted by a metallic aftertaste.
They
are in excellent antique condition with incredibly light wear. The mother of
pearl remains well preserved with a beautiful natural. They measure approx. 15cm
in length.
There
are no maker marks, which was common for these pieces.
They were produced by regional silver-platers in major manufacturing hubs like
Sheffield, England or Solingen, Germany.
A gorgeous collectable serving set.
Please see pictures for more details.
Thanks for
looking and Happy Bidding!
Recycled packaging is used as much as possible.
I am
always happy to combine postage, all I ask if you let me know if you are
bidding on more than one item within a few days of each other. I will pack and
weigh the items together and get the best possible price that I can, sometimes
weight or value might dictate that I send multiple parcels to get a better
value for you.