Expert Buyers — Mayfair London & Braintree Essex
Silver Cutlery & Canteen Buyers
We purchase complete canteen sets, part-services, individual silverware and silver flatware collections. Kings, Queens, Fiddle & Old English patterns — all periods and makers considered. Immediate payment. Strictly by appointment only.
Get a Free Silver Valuation
Send photos for a same-day valuation — strictly by appointment only, no walk-ins.
Specialists in Antique & Vintage Silver Flatware
Mozeris Fine Antiques has been buying silver cutlery and canteen sets for over two decades. We understand that identifying, pricing and selling silver flatware is not straightforward — weights vary, silver plate has no intrinsic value, and the collector market rewards rarity and completeness.
We assess every piece on its hallmarks, pattern, maker, completeness and condition. A full canteen of 12 in an original fitted case commands a significant premium over a part-service sold loose. We explain exactly what you have and what it is worth before making any offer.
Whether you have a single Georgian tablespoon or a 124-piece Victorian canteen, we buy outright for immediate cash — no auction delays, no commission fees.
⚠️ Strictly by appointment only — please contact us before visiting.
Patterns We Buy
All major patterns from Georgian to Edwardian periods considered — complete and part services.
Kings Pattern
The most popular Victorian pattern — distinctive shell and scroll motif at the handle tip. Full services of 12 in sterling are highly sought after.
Queens Pattern
Similar to Kings but with additional detail on the upper handle. Many fine examples by Chawner & Co, Elkington and Martin Hall.
Fiddle Pattern
Clean lines, wide shoulders tapering to a narrow waist. Popular from the Regency period. Plain or with shell or thread border variants.
Old English Pattern
Turned-down handle, simple and elegant. The defining pattern of the Georgian era, particularly pre-1800 pieces by London silversmiths.
Rat Tail & Hanoverian
Early 18th-century forms — rare and collectable. Single examples can be worth significant sums to specialist collectors.
Bead, Hourglass & Others
Victorian novelty and decorative patterns including Albany, Louis XV, Vine, and Lily all considered. Less common patterns may carry collector premiums.
What We Buy
Sterling silver (925) and Britannia silver (958) only — not silver plate (EPNS, EPBM). Unsure? We can identify from photographs.
Complete Canteen Sets
- Service for 6, 8, 12 or 18
- In original fitted case
- Mixed or matching patterns
- With fish knives, servers & ladles
- Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian
Table Silver
- Table knives, forks, dessert spoons
- Soup and dessert spoons
- Fish knives and forks
- Entrée and serving spoons
- Soup and sauce ladles
Tea & Coffee Silver
- Teaspoon sets — full services
- Caddy spoons and tea strainers
- Sugar tongs and sifter spoons
- Butter knives and jam spoons
- Egg spoons and cup sets
Single Specialist Pieces
- Georgian tablespoons by known makers
- Paul Storr, Hester Bateman signed pieces
- Unusual serving implements
- Caddy spoons — all shapes and makers
- Scottish provincial silver flatware
Silver Hollowware
- Silver tea and coffee services
- Sauce and gravy boats
- Entree dishes and covers
- Cruet sets and frames
- Candelabra and epergnes
Collections & Estates
- House clearance silver collections
- Inherited family silver services
- Mixed lots and part-services
- Loose and unmatched pieces
- Silver with some items missing
Understanding Silver Hallmarks
British silver has been hallmarked since 1300 — the most reliable system in the world. Here is what to look for.
| Hallmark | What It Means | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Lion Passant | Sterling silver standard (92.5%) | Used since 1544 — the most important British silver mark |
| Britannia Mark | Higher standard (95.8%) — used 1697–1720 and optionally thereafter | Rarer and generally more valuable than standard sterling |
| Date Letter | Year of assay — cycles through the alphabet, style varies by city | Essential for dating — London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh each use different fonts |
| Assay Office Mark | City where tested: London (leopard's head), Birmingham (anchor), Sheffield (crown), Edinburgh (castle) | Provincial pieces from smaller offices carry rarity premium |
| Maker's Mark | Initials of silversmith or company — registered at assay office | Paul Storr (PS), Hester Bateman (HB), Eley & Fearn — all add significant collector value |
| Sovereign's Head | Duty mark — used 1784–1890 | Confirms piece was made during this period; not a quality mark |
| EPNS / EP / EPBM | Silver plate — electroplated base metal | Has no intrinsic silver value — we do not purchase silver plate |
Silver Canteen Value Guide
Indicative ranges — final offers depend on completeness, condition, maker and current silver spot price.
"A complete Victorian Kings Pattern canteen for 12 in its original fitted case is worth meaningfully more than a part-service without a case — completeness is the single biggest factor after the silver weight itself."
— Mozeris Fine Antiques, Buying Team| Type | Description | Indicative Range |
|---|---|---|
| Georgian Tablespoon | Single piece, Old English pattern, London-assayed | £40 – £150 |
| Victorian Tea Service | 6 teaspoons + sugar tongs, matching, cased | £120 – £350 |
| Part Canteen (for 6) | Kings or Queens, main courses only, no case | £400 – £900 |
| Full Canteen (for 6) | All courses, original fitted case, good condition | £700 – £1,800 |
| Full Canteen (for 12) | All courses, original case, Victorian sterling | £1,500 – £5,000+ |
| Signed Maker Pieces | Paul Storr, Hester Bateman, or similar | Market premium — often 2x–5x standard price |
| Scottish Provincial | Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth or Inverness assay | Rarity premium — assessed individually |
| Soup or Sauce Ladle | Georgian or Victorian, sterling | £80 – £400 depending on maker and weight |
Makers & Silversmiths We Seek
Identified maker's marks significantly increase value — we actively seek pieces by these silversmiths.
How Selling Your Silver Works
Send Photographs
Clear photos of the flatware laid out, plus close-ups of any hallmarks. Email to info@mozerisfineantiques.com — we respond same day.
Receive a Valuation
We provide a detailed breakdown — identifying patterns, makers and approximate weight — with an initial offer range. No obligations.
Book an Appointment
Visit our Mayfair or Braintree showroom by appointment only — we inspect in person, confirm the final offer, and answer any questions.
Immediate Payment
Same-day bank transfer on agreement. No waiting for auction, no seller's commission, no uncertainty. Strictly by appointment only — no walk-ins accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about selling silver cutlery and canteen sets.
How do I know if my cutlery is sterling silver or silver plate?
Look for hallmarks on the back of the handle. Sterling silver will have a lion passant (a walking lion) and usually a date letter. Silver plate will be marked EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver), EP, EPBM, or A1. If you are unsure, send us a close-up photograph — we can identify it immediately. We only purchase sterling or Britannia silver, not plate.
Does my canteen need to be complete to be worth selling?
Completeness significantly affects value, but part-services are still worth selling. A full canteen for 12 in its original case might be worth three times a loose part-service for 6, so it is always worth knowing what you have before deciding. We will buy complete or incomplete sets.
The knives have silver handles but steel blades — are they sterling silver?
Victorian and Edwardian table knives commonly have sterling silver handles with steel or stainless blades. Only the handles are assessed for silver content. This is perfectly normal and does not reduce their value.
My silver is tarnished and some pieces are damaged — should I clean it first?
Please do not polish or clean the silver before we see it. Heavy-handed cleaning can remove hallmarks, reduce weight and damage patina. We assess silver in found condition. Leave any cleaning to us after purchase.
What is the difference between a canteen and a flatware service?
A canteen typically refers to a complete matched service housed in a fitted case — often including all courses from fish through dessert, plus serving pieces. A flatware service can refer to the cutlery alone without the case. Both are equally welcome here.
Can I sell just a few loose teaspoons?
Yes — while a full matched set is worth more per piece, individual spoons by notable makers such as Paul Storr or Hester Bateman can be worth considerable sums. We assess everything on its own merits. Send us photos and we will advise honestly.
Do you visit homes to value silver collections?
For substantial collections — particularly those too large or fragile to transport — we may consider visiting. Please contact us first to discuss. For most individual pieces and smaller services, we ask sellers to bring items to our showroom by appointment only.
Ready to Sell Your Silver?
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation valuation. Same-day responses. Immediate payment on agreement.
Strictly by appointment only — please do not visit without booking.
Get in Touch
Strictly by appointment only — no walk-ins at either showroom.
Mayfair Showroom
47 Maddox Street
Mayfair, London W1S 2PG
By appointment only
Essex Showroom
Unit 20B Lakes Industrial Park
Braintree, Essex CM7 3RU
By appointment only