Set hand-forged Rattail silver cutlery for 12

Fine quality hand-forged set of sterling silver four-prong Rattail pattern flatware in superb condition. This is a one-date-and-maker service apart from one teaspoon which has been replaced. The service comprises:

12 table forks
12 dessert forks
12 tablespoons
12 dessert spoons
12 teaspoons
1 soup ladle
1 gravy ladle

Since antique knives rarely survive we have included 12 modern silver table knives and 12 modern silver dessert knives, all with silver handles and stainless steel blades making them dishwasher safe.

Rattail is the oldest of the English designs dating from the early 1600s with the distinctive rat tail on the backs of the spoon bowls and forks. This feature developed in an age when craftsmen made spoons in two pieces joining the bowl and the handle together by means of soldering using a tapered tail as additional strength to the joint. This design also features a prominent rib down the front of the handle and continues to be a popular design to the present day.