Continental Silver Carving Set with Gilt Washed Blade

• Hallmarks - A mark stamped on articles of precious metals in Britain, since the 14th century, certifying their purity. It derives its name from the Guild Hall of the Goldsmiths' Company, who recieved its Charter in 1327 giving it the power to assay (test the purity) and mark articles of gold and silver.
  
  The hallmark will consist of several marks, including the:
  
  - silver standard mark, indicating the purity of the metal. Sterling silver is .925 pure silver.
  
  - the city mark indicating the city in which it was assayed eg London, Birmingham, York etc.
  
  - the date mark, usually a letter of the alphabet in a particular font and case,
  
  - a duty mark, indicating whether duty had been paid to the crown, and only in use from 1784 to 1890
  
  The piece may include an additional mark, the maker's mark, although not forming part of the hallmark, will be located in the vicinity of the hallmarks.
  
  Sometimes silver plated items will bear faux hallmarks, often confusing those not familiar with silver markings.
• Lambrequin Border - A lambrequin border is a decorative motif and consists of a series of overlapping scalloped or pointed shapes, resembling the drapery of a lambrequin, a type of decorative hanging usually made of fabric or leather that was used to adorn the tops of doors or windows.
  
  In ceramics, the lambrequin border was a popular decorative element in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was often used to embellish the edges of plates, platters, bowls, and other serving pieces, as well as on vases, jars, and other decorative items. The border was typically applied using a transfer printing technique or hand-painted by skilled artisans.
  
  The lambrequin border was popular in many different styles of ceramics, including those made in the majolica, transferware, and Art Nouveau styles. It was often combined with other decorative motifs, such as floral or foliate patterns, to create a rich and ornate design.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• carving knife / knives - silver items 65
• silver cutlery / flatware, settings - unboxed 1,425
• silver, country of manufacture - Continental 512