Silver Sugar Sifter, in Original Gift Case, Ca 1877

An exquisite sugar sifter in original velvet -lined case, by George William Adams at Chawner & Co., Hosier Street, London.

Hallmarked for London 1877. The quality of the work and ornate design is rare.

Chawner & Co, originated in 1815, producing fine silverware.  After Chawner’s death, George William Adams married into the family business, expanding upon their tradition of quality silver work.  The firm exhibited in the 1851 Great Exhibition and soon was one of the largest producers of quality silver flatware in Victorian England.  The Chawner & Co. pattern book was published in 1875, the encyclopedia for Victorian flatware patterns used still today.

This sifter was probably a wedding gift and barely used.  The original box, 8″ long by 3.5″ wide, shows minimal wear.