Antique English Victorian Silver Plate Cruet Set

Description

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A Victorian Era Fine English Silver Plate and Cut Crystal Cruet Set
This lovely set is comprised of four cut crystal bottles, two with crystal ball stoppers and two with silver plate tops all sitting upon a beautifully chased, footed tray with a graceful handle centered on the tray in the middle of the four bottles. In Victorian times no well-laid table could possibly be without this table-top dining accessory designed to contain various condiments. For example two of the bottles might contain oil and vinegar, one mustard, and one an additional condiment allowing diners to dress their salads to their particular tastes, or to season various dishes. This set is a very usable size which is quite suitable for contemporary dining, or certainly for display. The set is in really lovely original antique condition consistent with what one would expect of a well cared for silver and crystal object.
There are no scratches or dents in the silver. One of the crystal bottles has a slight chip on its rim which you can see in the pictures. And one of the bottles which had a silver top is missing its tiny spoon which would go through the hole in the top, presumably for spooning out mustard or a solid condiment. The silver plate base is marked with the maker's name: Bennett Fink & Co., Cheapside. This was an area of London which in those times was known for its fine silversmiths. There was nothing 'cheap' about Cheapside.
We don't feel these small imperfections detract from the aesthetic appeal of the piece. The height of the is 8 1/4 inches, the base is 7 inches square and the bottles are each 6 1/2 inches high by 1 3/4 inches
in diameter. The grandson said this cruet set was a reminder of how gracious and elegant his grandmother was as she hosted their family Sunday evening dinners. And the set continued to grace his own mother's table throughout his youth in America. Did you happen to spot one of these on the dining room table in Downton Abbey? It must have been there somewhere. Carson the Butler would have polished it regularly.
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