William IV Silver Cutlery/Flatware Service 1833 William Eaton of London

A fine and rare extensive early nineteenth century flatware service all made by William Eaton of London all made in 1833. This wonderful service is in an unusual configuration of old English shell pattern .The service is plain on the front and all pieces are engraved with the same family crest but on the back there is a bold shell.The service would have been made for the Scottish family (Molleson or Mollison)as the motto Fax Mentis Honestae Gloria is placed above the crest of a Moors head ( English family mottoes would be placed below)The English translation of the motto is ‘Glory is the torch that leads on an honourable mind’ .This motto was used by Henry Frederick Prince of Wales(1594-1612)who was the eldest son of James VI and I,King of England and Scotland and also all Baronets of Nova Scotia from 1625.The service is fine and complete with 18 table spoons ,18 dessert spoons,18 tableforks ,18 dessert  forks ,18 tea spoons,with a large array of serving pieces.6 table spoons and 6 table forks extra alongside 2 basting spoons,2 soup ladles,2 sauce ladles,4 condiment spoons, I fish slice and 2 butter knives ( 1853 George Adams ).The service has the unusual addition of 12 toddy ladles ( a great rarity - I have only ever encountered one other complete set ).In addition to the antique service there are 18 table knives and 18 dessert knives with silver handles and stainless steel blades made about 50 years ago.(163 pieces)The service is in quite superb condition and of a beautifully heavy gauge ( for example the table spoons weigh about 3.25 troy each and the table forks about 3 troy ozs).A very fine and rare service for 18 place settings which is ‘straight’ ie all the same date and maker which is rare to find in a service nearly 170 years old ( 2 butter knives added in 1853).The service can be bought without the knives or changed for a different pattern.

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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