Antique Silver Plated Cutlery Canteen in Fitted Mahogany Case

A rare and beautifully preserved Victorian-era cased cutlery canteen by Walker & Hall of Sheffield, one of England’s most esteemed silversmiths.

Housed in its original mahogany case, this complete service opens to reveal meticulously fitted compartments lined in soft grey felt, each still bearing its original brass labels—an evocative detail from a time when dining was both ritual and theatre. The set is crafted in non-electro silver plate, an early and highly regarded technique in which silver was fused to a copper base, predating mass electroplating and prized for its depth and durability.

The collection comprises a full formal service, including dinner forks, spoons, and knives, a dedicated dessert service, and an elegant suite of carving implements—complete with sharpening steel—designed for traditional roasts and table-side service. Particularly charming is the inclusion of silver-plated nutcrackers, a quintessential Victorian detail, once brought out at the close of the meal alongside fruit, nuts, and port.

The knives feature bone handles, beautifully aged, while the blades are stamped Walker & Hall – Non Electro – Sheffield, grounding the set firmly in its late-19th-century origins.

Originally intended as a wedding or household-establishing gift, canteens like this were made to last generations. Today, it stands as both a functional heirloom and a sculptural object—equally at home in a collector’s cabinet or brought out for intimate, story-filled gatherings.

Upper Lid – Carving / Serving Implements

• 2 x Carving knives (long, gently curved blades)

• 1 x Sharpening steel

• 1 x Poultry/Game carving fork (two-pronged)

• 1 x Roast carving fork (with guard/bolt collar)

Lower Level – Flatware & Serving Pieces

• ~12 x Table/Standard spoons

• ~12 x Dinner forks

• ~12 x Dinner knives (ivorine handles)

• 1 x Soup ladle

• 1 x Pair sugar tongs

• 2 x Salt / Mustard spoons

• 2 x Knife rests (ball-finial style)

• Additional assorted small serving pieces (seen in compartments, likely fruit knife/spreader, cheese knife, or pastry fork)