Antique Silver Guides · Mozeris Fine Antiques
Antique Silver Christening Sets
An antique silver christening set is a spoon and fork, often with a napkin ring, given to mark a baptism and usually presented in a fitted, satin-lined case. Sets are mostly Victorian and Edwardian, and the original case and a complete set of sterling pieces matter most to collectors.
Updated October 2026
The traditional gift to mark a baptism: a cased silver spoon, fork and sometimes a napkin ring. Charming, sentimental and very collectable. A guide to identifying, dating and valuing antique silver christening sets.
Not Sure What Your Christening Set Is Worth?
Send a photo, including the marks on each piece and the case, and we'll value it free, with no obligation. We reply within one working day.
For generations the silver christening set was the traditional gift to mark a baptism: a small spoon and fork, and often a napkin ring, presented in a satin-lined fitted case. Made in great numbers through the Victorian, Edwardian and later periods, the best are by named makers and beautifully cased, and they remain a charming, very giftable corner of antique silver.
What is a silver christening set?
A silver christening set is a matched spoon and fork, sometimes with a napkin ring or pusher, made as a baptism gift.
Typically a matched spoon and fork: sometimes with a napkin ring or pusher: in a fitted presentation case. Patterns follow the great flatware designs (Old English, Fiddle, King's) in miniature, and many are prettily engraved with a name or date. Sets by noted makers such as Mappin & Webb or sterling examples in fine cases are the most sought after; Victorian and Edwardian dates are common, earlier sets scarcer.
"With christening sets it's completeness and case that count: an original cased set is worth far more than the same spoon and fork found loose."
What collectors look for
Collectors of christening silver look for the original fitted case, a complete set, a named maker and a pretty pattern.
- Original caseThe fitted, satin-lined box matters: a complete cased set is worth far more than loose pieces.
- Named makersMappin & Webb and other respected firms, plus crisp sterling marks, lift value.
- Fine patternsKing's, Queen's and decorative patterns over plain Fiddle; pretty engraving adds charm.
- Earlier dateGeorgian and early-Victorian sets are scarcer than the plentiful later examples.
What Determines Value
The value of a silver christening set is decided by completeness, the case, the maker, the pattern, the date and condition.
The factors we assess on a silver christening set:
- Completeness: Original fitted case and all pieces present.
- Maker: Mappin & Webb and noted makers over unmarked pieces.
- Pattern: King's, Queen's and decorative patterns over plain.
- Date: Earlier Georgian/Victorian sets scarcer; the hallmark dates it.
- Condition: Bright pieces, intact case lining, no splits or wear-through.
- Engraving: A pretty original name or date adds charm and appeal.
Marks are on each piece. Find the lion passant for sterling.
What We Look For When a Christening Set Arrives
When a christening set arrives we check the lion passant on every piece first, because many children's sets are silver plate, and we read the date letter and maker's mark.
Then we look at the case and its lining, check that every piece belongs to the set, and note any engraved name or date, which is part of the set's charm.
How selling works
- Send photosUse the form on this page, or email them to us.
- A specialist reviews itMaker, marks, age and condition.
- Free estimate by emailWithin one working day.
- You decidePaid once agreed. No obligation.
Free valuation
Request a free valuation
Send us a few photos of your christening set. A specialist looks at every request personally and replies by email with an estimate within one working day. There is no obligation to sell.
What to photograph
- The set in its case. Open the case so every piece shows.
- The underside. The back of the spoon, fork and any napkin ring.
- The hallmarks, close up. On each piece, usually on the back of the handle.
Prefer email? Send photos to info@mozerisfineantiques.com or call 01376 334 482.
Ways to sell
- Mayfair (by appointment)
- Braintree (by appointment)
- Royal Mail Special Delivery
- Free FedEx collection
We buy directly, with payment once you accept our offer, and we can also sell for you by consignment or in our own auctions.
Sterling, maker and the case
Confirm sterling by the lion passant on each piece, since many later children's sets are plate, then judge the maker, the pattern and the case.
| Mark | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Maker's mark | The initials of the maker or firm, in a shield. |
| Lion passant | The English mark for sterling silver. |
| Town mark | The assay office: leopard's head for London, anchor for Birmingham. |
| Date letter | The year of assay. The letter style and shield change with each cycle. |
Confirm sterling via the lion passant on each piece; many later children's sets are silver plate (marked EPNS) and worth far less. Then maker, pattern and above all the original case drive value: a complete cased sterling set by a named maker far outvalues a loose plated spoon. Our silver hallmark guide helps with the small marks.
Sits with the wider world of antique silver flatware and small silver: related guides: card cases and vinaigrettes. Sell via sell your silver.
Sterling or plate?
Sterling silver
- Lion passant: the English sterling mark
- A town mark, a date letter and a maker's mark
- Valued as antique silver: maker, date, form and condition
Silver plate (EPNS)
- Stamped EPNS or A1, with no lion passant or date letter.
- The marks often imitate hallmarks, so check each one
- Worth far less: decorative value only
Value Your Christening Set
Send photographs of the set, the case and the marks on each piece, and we'll give you an honest, no-obligation valuation.
Strictly by appointment only: no walk-ins at either office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Antique silver christening sets: common questions.
What is a silver christening set?
Are silver christening sets valuable?
Does the original case matter?
How do I tell sterling from plate?
Does an engraved name reduce value?
Send Us Your Christening Set Photographs
Attach photos of the set, the case and the marks on each piece. We'll respond within one working day.
Sell Your Antique Silver Christening Set
We buy antique sterling silver christening sets (cased spoon-and-fork sets, named makers and earlier examples) at fair, honest prices. Free valuation, no obligation.