Cased 3-piece Silver Campaign Set, 1794

Silver campaign sets are rare and this three piece set dates from the latter part of the 18th century and was potentially used during the Napoleonic Wars.

It comprises a knife, fork and spoon and is contained within its original shagreen covered spoon-shaped case. The knife and fork are hallmarked for the specialist haft-maker Moses Brent, whilst the Old English pattern spoon bears the marks of the specialist spoonmakers Thomas Northcote and George Bourne. It was standard practice in Georgian times for retailers to compose sets from different specialists. All pieces date from 1794.

The presence of the original case is a huge bonus as they rarely survive and although a little worn around the edges, the revolving clasps still work and even the flap of velvet for separating the lower knife and fork from the upper spoon is still intact. Sets such as this were used by officers on campaign.

The spoon is engraved to the front terminal with an original script monogram with additional flourishes and the condition is excellent. What stories this set might tell...