A Cased Set of 4, Silver Gilt 'Berry' Large Serving Spoons, London 1795

Manufacturer - William Eley I, London

Date - 1795

Description - A very well‑made and substantial set of four silver‑gilt ‘berry’ spoons, each beautifully fruit‑embossed to the bowl and finished with the most intricate, finely engraved stems. The quality of the decoration is exceptional — crisp, detailed, and wonderfully expressive, capturing the full charm of late‑18th‑century ornament.
Each spoon also bears an engraved heraldic crest, adding a distinguished touch of provenance and enhancing the sense of history and importance.
A superb and highly decorative set of Georgian silver‑gilt berry spoons — impressive in weight, craftsmanship, and visual appeal, and a standout addition to any collection.

Condition - These spoons are in a clean, good condition with only very, very slight signs of any use-related wear. The lining to the inside, upper lid has been replaced at some stage

Hallmark - The spoons has clear hallmarks with the manufacturer's cypher for William Eley I, and the London date cypher for 1795.

Dimensions - Maximum length - 22cm

Combined spoon weight - 260g

Date Context 1795:
* King George III begins his 35th year as Monarch
* Battle of Genoa: the British and Neapolitan fleets are victorious over the French.
* French Revolutionary Wars: Cornwallis's Retreat – a British Royal Navy battle squadron commanded by William Cornwallis fends off a numerically superior French Navy fleet off the coast of Brittany.
* Riots over shortages of bread in many towns across Britain
* King George pelted with stones by an angry mob as bread riots continue