Angora Boxed Angora 13-Piece Dessert & Fruit Service

Presentation Box: 24 cm x 19 cm x 5 cm (Length x Width x Height)

Serving Spoon: 22.5 cm (Length)

Dessert Forks: 14.2 cm (Length)

Dessert Spoons: 13.5 cm (Length)

- Excellent - This 13-piece serving set is in excellent vintage condition.

Cutlery Finish: The silver plating on all thirteen pieces remains bright, clean, and highly reflective with a beautiful mirror-like depth. There is no plate loss (wear through to the base nickel alloy) on the handles, tines, or bowls, and the stamped details remain sharp and legible.

Surface Wear: Light, authentic micro-scratching is present on the silver surfaces, consistent with gentle, periodic use and careful polishing over the decades.

Presentation Box (Exterior): The mid-blue embossed damask paper covering is intact and structurally sound. It shows mild shelf wear, light rubbing along the sharpest corners, and minor age-related fading, all of which lend a beautiful, authentic period character to the piece. Both brass-toned front latches and the rear hinges are firmly attached and function smoothly, closing the box securely.

Presentation Box (Interior): The pale blue silk and satin lining retains its original shape and securely cradles the cutlery. The interior shows minor, typical storage staining and faint pinpoint discolouration from long-term contact with the silver, which is standard for an authentic textile lining of this age. There are no major tears or structural compromises to the fabric beds.

1. Design & Features
- The defining characteristic of this service is its clever, space-saving nested engineering. Rather than requiring a massive, sprawling canteen box, the six dessert spoons sit directly beneath the six dessert forks in custom-tailored velvet slots, making for an exceptionally compact and elegant tabletop presentation.
- Each of the thirteen pieces—including the generous, broad-bowled master serving spoon—features an elegant, stylised shell and fan motif on the finials. This geometric detailing draws directly from classic Art Deco influences, offering a clean, tailored look that pairs effortlessly with both vintage and modern dinnerware patterns.
- The entire collection is housed in its original, mid-blue embossed damask presentation box, creating a striking visual contrast against the shimmering silver when opened.

2. Craftsmanship
- Stamped on the reverse with the maker's full corporate mark and the "Made in England" origin, this set is a testament to the high manufacturing standards of mid-century British silversmiths.
- It is this superior level of craftsmanship that allows the set to retain its deep, mirror-like lustre and brilliant silver finish decades after production, preventing the base metal from wearing through at the pressure points.

3. About the Maker: Angora
- Active during the golden age of mid-century British silver production, the Angora Silver Plate Co. Ltd. operated primarily out of the UK’s historic metalworking hubs of Sheffield and Birmingham.
- While many large-scale manufacturers focused solely on standard, everyday canteen cutlery, Angora carved out a distinctive niche by specialising in luxury boxed presentation sets, fine hostessing pieces, and specialised giftware.
- They were celebrated for pairing exceptional electroplating with beautifully crafted, textile-lined cases, making their services highly sought-after status items for formal entertaining and bridal gifts in the post-war era.

4. Uses & Versatility
Though traditionally designated as a fruit or dessert service, this 13-piece set offers wonderful versatility for the modern host:
- The broad master spoon is perfectly suited for serving berry compotes, layered trifles, poached fruits, or elegant parfaits, while the individual forks and spoons accommodate a wide array of sweet and savoury courses.
- The forks are ideal for dense cakes, tarts, and cheeses, while the matching spoons are perfectly scaled for ice creams, crèmes, and mousses.
- Having both matching elements for six guests elevates a simple dessert course into a formal, curated dining experience.

5. Care Instructions
To preserve the exceptional silver plate and the integrity of the original presentation box for generations to come, follow these simple care steps:
- Hand Wash Only: Never place vintage silver plate in a dishwasher, as high heat and harsh detergents will rapidly dull the finish and degrade the silver layer. Wash in warm, soapy water with a mild dish liquid.
- Dry Immediately: Use a soft microfibre cloth or tea towel to dry each piece thoroughly right after washing to prevent water spots and natural oxidation.
- Polishing: Polish occasionally using a high-quality, non-abrasive silver foam or cream and a soft cloth to restore the brilliant, mirror-like depth. Avoid aggressive rubbing.
- Storage: Store the completely dry cutlery inside its original fabric-lined presentation box. The lining helps shield the silver from air circulation, which naturally slows down the tarnishing process. Ensure the set is kept in a dry environment free from dampness to protect the embossed exterior paper and hinges.