An exquisite and rare mid-19th century English sterling silver tea set, comprising a teapot, sugar bowl, and milk jug, crafted by the esteemed silversmiths Roberts & Staler. This charming set showcases a delightful and distinctive "pumpkin" shape, with vertical lobes creating a visually appealing and tactile texture, characteristic of the Victorian era's appreciation for naturalistic forms.
Each piece is beautifully chased with intricate foliate and scroll motifs, elegantly accentuating the pumpkin's segmented design and showcasing the meticulous detail and artistry of the period. The gracefully curved spouts, elegant scroll handles, and finials that echo the lobed form further contribute to the set's refined and whimsical aesthetic.
A particularly desirable feature of this set is the luxurious gold gilding on the interior of both the sugar bowl and the milk jug, a testament to the high quality and opulent design intended for these pieces. The teapot, while not gilded internally, perfectly complements the set in its unique pumpkin-inspired form and decoration.
The set bears clear hallmarks for "Roberts & Staler MP", confirming its authenticity and prestigious origin. This complete and well-preserved tea set, with its charming pumpkin shape and luxurious gilt interiors, is a testament to timeless English silver craftsmanship and would make a magnificent addition to any discerning collection or an elegant and conversation-starting centerpiece.
Dimensions
Teapot: W 30 cm / 11.81 in. x D 16 cm / 6.30 in. x H 14.5 cm / 5.71 in.
Sugar Bowl: W 20 cm / 7.87 in. x D 13 cm / 5.12 in. x H 12 cm / 4.72 in.
Milk Jug: W 11.5 cm / 4.53 in. x D 9 cm / 3.54 in. x H 15 cm / 5.91 in.
The firm was established as Furniss, Poles & Turner. The first hallmark was entered in Sheffield Assay Office as "plate worker, Furnival Street, Sheffield" on December 20, 1810.
From c.1822 to 1945 the firm traded as William Briggs (hallmark entered as Plate Worker, Button Lane on August 14, 1822).
Later William Briggs entered in partnership with Samuel Roberts and Joseph Slater. In 1845 the firm, trading as Roberts & Slater, silver and electroplate manufacturers, entered its hallmark in Sheffield Assay Office (September 1, 1845. Address: Furnival Street).
After the retirement of Joseph Slater (1858) the activity was continued until 1863 under the style Roberts & Briggs (hallmark entered on September 1, 1859).
In 1863, after the retirement of William Briggs, the firm changed to Roberts & Belk (the new partner was Charles Belk). Its first hallmarks were entered in Sheffield Assay Office on February 1, 1864.
In 1879, after the retirement of Samuel Roberts, the activity was continued solely by Charles Belk maintaining the style Roberts & Belk.
Besides the Sheffield factory, the firms were active also in London, with showrooms at 28 Ely Place, Holborn (1858) and later at Gresham House, 24 Holborn Viaduct (1883).
In 1901 the firm became Roberts & Belk Ltd and in 1961 was bought by C.J. Vander Ltd.
CHRONOLOGY:
Furniss, Poles & Turner, c. 1810 - 1823
William Briggs, c. 1823 - 1845
Roberts & Slater, 1845 - 1858
Roberts & Briggs, 1858 - 1863
Roberts & Belk, 1863 - 1901
Roberts & Belk Ltd, 1901 - the present
bought by C.J. Vander Ltd in 1961