Rare Cased Set of Four Antique Silver Plated Knife Rests by Roberts & Belk - circa 1888

Here on offer is an extremely rare cased set of four antique Victorian silver plated knife rests by Roberts & Belk, of Sheffield, circa 1888.

These heavy and thickly silver plated knife rests have been made in an unusual form that seems to resemble “atoms”?

I understand that Roberts & Belk actually worked with the famous designer, Christopher Dresser and these are believed to be one of his designs.

Each of the knife rests is stamped with an Rd, Registration number 111097, which relates to the year 1888.

They also marked with the Roberts & Belk “Aladdin’s Lamp” trade mark.
They are 2.5” (6.5cm) from ball to ball on the same line and 1.75” (4.5cm) high.

They come with their original dark blue leather covered, silk and velvet lined case. Each knife rest have its own recessed position in the case.

The knife rests are in MINT condition and I would say have never been used. The case is in excellent condition with just light edge wear to the finish.

A brief history of Roberts & Belk.

The firm was established as Furniss, Poles & Turner. The first hallmark was entered in Sheffield Assay Office as "plate worker, Furnival Street, Sheffield" on December 20, 1810.
From c.1822 to 1845 the firm traded as William Briggs (hallmark entered as Plate Worker, Button Lane on August 14, 1822).
Later William Briggs entered in partnership with Samuel Roberts and Joseph Slater. In 1845 the firm, trading as Roberts & Slater, silver and electroplate manufacturers, entered its hallmark in Sheffield Assay Office (September 1, 1845. Address: Furnival Street).
After the retirement of Joseph Slater (1858) the activity was continued until 1863 under the style Roberts & Briggs (hallmark entered on September 1, 1859).
In 1863, after the retirement of William Briggs, the firm changed to Roberts & Belk (the new partner was Charles Belk). Its first hallmarks were entered in Sheffield Assay Office on February 1, 1864.
In 1879, after the retirement of Samuel Roberts, the activity was continued solely by Charles Belk maintaining the style Roberts & Belk.
Besides the Sheffield factory, the firms were active also in London, with showrooms at 28 Ely Place, Holborn (1858) and later at Gresham House, 24 Holborn Viaduct (1883).
In 1901 the firm became Roberts & Belk Ltd and in 1961 was bought by C.J. Vander Ltd.

The case measures 5.75” (14.6cm) square by 2.1” (5.4cm) high.

Each knife rest weighs 45g and all four with the case, weighs 390g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Thanks for taking the time to look.

Code: 50745