Heavy hand-forged silver 3-prong Rattail cutlery

A complete set of hand-forged silver Rattail pattern cutlery set for 12 place settings.

The correct name for this pattern is in fact Hanoverian with Rat Tail but is commonly referred to as Rattail. Hanoverian pattern can be said to be the most important flatware pattern of the 18th century, appearing first in about 1710 and produced into the 1770s. Subsequently it was revived in the late 19th century and is still made today in a number of variations but always with the distinctive rat tail on the back of the spoons and forks. The feature developed in an age when craftsmen made spoons in two pieces joining the bowl and handle together by means of soldering using a tapered tail as additional strength to the joint. In addition, most silversmiths craft a prominent rib down the front of the handle.

This 86-piece service comprises:

12 table forks
12 dessert forks
12 soup spoons
12 dessert spoons

2 table serving spoons

Since antique knives rarely survive, we have included 12 new pairs of silver table and dessert knives with rattail handles as in these photographs, or traditional pistol-shaped handles. All are made with stainless steel handles making them safe for putting in the dishwasher.