Fabulous & rare complete 5pc antique Mappin Brothers marked meat carving utensil or implement set including meat and game carving knives, meat and game forks and a 'meat steel' in the original fitted storage and/or presentation box! Hallmarked English sterling silver handles on all pieces, Sheffield with the crown and lion passant and the date letter appears to be for . Mappin Brothers was the mark during the mid 1800s and not until 1864 was it changed to Mappin & Webb. Later in 1899, John Mappin acquired the original London retail business and double named it as "Mappin & Webb Ltd incorporating Mappin Brothers", hence the marks on this set that dates to 1900. The inside of the box is marked "By Her Majesty's Special Warrant, Mappin Brothers, 220 Regent Street, 66 Cheapside, London" and the blade of the longer meat knife is marked "Mappin Brothers, Queen's Cutlery Works, Sheffield".
Taken directly from their current website: "Mappin & Webb is a true British treasure with over 241 years of tradition and historical significance in the world of silver and jewellery. Renowned for combining timeless craftsmanship with superior quality and contemporary design, for over two centuries we have produced exquisite jewellery, elegant silverware, watches, glassware and the unique lifestyle accessories that have long been at the heart of affluent British society. It's a story that began in 1775, when Jonathan Mappin opened a silver workshop in Sheffield with a vision to create the most beautifully crafted silverware. It would see the company expand internationally, receive royal warrants and commissions from Monarchs around the world, and become synonymous with excellence, craftsmanship and all things truly greatly British. Illustrious clients throughout the decades include Queen of France Marie Antoinette, the last Czar of Russia Nicholas II, Winston Churchill, Charles Dickens, Harry Houdini and Grace Kelly. Part celebration, part exploration, it is a renewed expression of the spirit of discovery that has driven Mappin & Webb for the last two centuries."
Good to very good condition, age considered. As you can see, the blades are all pre-stainless steel and have some age tarnish and/or surface corrosion visible. The handles have a bit of dimpling and the ball finials at the ends of three handles, pushed in or dented to a degree. See pictures for all weights and measurements.
