One date & maker hand-forged Rattail silver cutlery

A hand-forged, one-date-and-maker set of silver Rattail pattern cutlery made by George Lambert of London (apart from on teaspoon). The set comprises:

18 table forks
18 dessert forks
18 dessert spoons
12 tablespoons
12 teaspoons (1 x Goldsmiths & Silversmiths 1888)

Since antique knives rarely survive, we have completed this set with 18 pairs of table and dessert knives with stainless steel blades making them suitable for the dishwasher.

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 cutlery service is not available to buy online. Please get in touch if you would like to purchase it.