A RARE, silver, Victorian canteen of cutlery provoked ‘fevered’ interest – and bidding – at a Somerset auction.

The set, dated from 1866, went under the hammer at Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s latest antiques sale, held at the Somerset Salerooms in North Petherton.

Comprising of 24 table forks, 18 dessert forks, 18 serving spoons, 18 dessert spoons, 24 teaspoons, five condiment spoons, four toddy ladles, one large ladle, two large serving spoons, a sauce ladle, a sugar sifter spoon, sugar tongs and a butter knife, the set featured the ‘palm pattern’ by George Adams, which was first produced by Chawner & Co.

The firm was the most important manufacturer of spoons and forks in London and participated in the 1851 Great Exhibition and the 1862 International Exhibition. Their pattern book from around 1875 is hailed as the reference for naming many of the patterns manufactured in the Victorian era.

Designer George Adams married Mary Ann Chawner, daughter of William Chawner, the well-regarded silversmith and under his leadership, the Chawner & Co flourished, becoming known as the best producer of high-quality flatware in a range of intricate patterns.

Hallmarked London 1866, the set on sale in Somerset, with monogram and crest, comfortably exceeded its guide-price – eventually selling for just shy of £10,000.

The Victorian Chawner & Co canteen of cutlery sold at the sale in North Petherton. Picture: GTH

The desirable cutlery featured alongside other examples of reproduction ‘palm pattern’ knives, hallmarked London 1961, together with a period copy, flame mahogany-fronted cabinet with fitted, felt-lined trays to house all pieces of the canteen.

The lot had been consigned following a house call by the auctioneers in West Somerset.

Elsewhere in the sale, a Victorian 18ct gold half hunter pocket watch, hallmarked Birmingham 1900, had attracted much pre-auction attention. It sold for £2,300.

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Meanwhile, demand for gold continues apace, with a number of notable sale prices. An antique 9ct gold curb link bracelet, hallmarked Birmingham 1986, sold for £1,050, and a 9ct gold charm bracelet with seven 9ct gold charms went for £800.

The same sum was achieved for a 15ct gold open curb link bracelet, while a 9ct gold curb link bracelet, hallmarked Birmingham 1908, sold for £740.

The next sale of jewellery, watches and silverware takes place on Thursday, September 4, from 10am. For more details and to consign lots, contact the salerooms on 01278 410250.