λA late-Victorian silver Old English pattern canteen for twelve

λA late-Victorian silver Old English pattern canteen for twelve,

by George Lambert, London 1899,

the terminals with a crest, comprising: twelve tablespoons, twelve table forks, twelve dessert spoons, twelve dessert forks, plus seven ivorine handled table knives and eight dessert knives, approx. weight 99oz. (63)

The crest is that of Smith of Jordanhill for Sir Henry Babington Smith (1863-1923). In 1894 he became private Secretary to the 9th Earl of Elgin on his appointment as Viceroy of India. In 1898 he married the Viceroy's eldest daughter Lady Elisabeth Bruce in India. This canteen was commissioned by the newly-weds on their return to London in 1899.