Direct from a private mansion in Paris, a stunning 9-piece antique Victorian sterling silver tea set by one of Britain’s premier silversmiths “Savory and Sons” professionally refinished to near new condition and including 8 anti-tarnish storage wraps for easy storage – circa early 1800s. The annals of British silversmithing are replete with illustrious names, each contributing to an enduring legacy of artistry and opulence. Among these distinguished firms, Savory and Sons occupies a position of particular reverence. From its early 19th-century origins in the heart of the City of London to its eventual evolution into a larger commercial entity, the name Savory became synonymous with the pinnacle of quality, elegance, and refined taste. More than mere retailers or manufacturers, they were arbiters of style, purveyors of luxury to a clientele that included royalty, and creators of some of the most exquisite silver objects of the Victorian era.
Savory - A Foundation of Quality and Craftsmanship: The story of Savory and Sons is one of entrepreneurial spirit, family partnership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The firm's origins can be traced to 1812, when Adey Bellamy Savory, a man of Huguenot descent—a heritage often associated with exceptional skill in the precious metal trades—established his business at 14 Cornhill in the City of London. Initially listed in directories under various specializations, from goldsmith to dealer in foreign coins, A.B. Savory was building a foundation as a purveyor of fine and curious goods. This early period was crucial for establishing the reputation for reliability and discernment that would become the firm's hallmark. A pivotal transformation occurred in 1833 when Adey Bellamy's sons, Joseph and Albert, were taken into partnership, and the firm's name was officially changed to A.B. Savory & Sons. This marked the beginning of its most celebrated era. The business model was sophisticated, operating on two fronts. They maintained a retail presence at various addresses on Cornhill, strategically positioned opposite the Bank of England, a locale that placed them at the very center of British commerce and affluence. Simultaneously, they operated a significant manufacturing enterprise, or "silver manufactory," at 5 Finsbury Place, South, and later at 15 Gee Street and 18 Red Lion Street in Clerkenwell, the historic heart of London's watchmaking and silversmithing trades. This vertical integration allowed Savory & Sons to exert unparalleled control over the quality of their wares, from the initial design concept to the final polish. The exceptional quality and craftsmanship associated with the Savory name was not solely the product of the founding family, but also of the master artisans they employed. A prime example is the silversmith William Smily and his sons. William
Smily, who had been apprenticed to a spoon and fork maker, began working in Savory's Gee Street factory and eventually rose to become the works manager for A.B. Savory & Sons. It was Smily who registered his own maker's mark, which was used on silverware manufactured for the firm, often accompanied by the stamp "A.B. Savory & Sons". This practice of collaborating with and retaining craftsmen ensured that the silver bearing the Savory name was not merely retailed but was conceived and executed to the highest international standards. The "SS" mark, used by both William and later his son Samuel (who succeeded him as works manager), became an internal stamp of quality, signifying that a piece had been crafted under the watchful eye of a master. The detail lavished on even the most functional items is a testament to this culture of excellence.
Royal Patronage and Public Accolades: For a firm like Savory and Sons, the ultimate validation of its status came in the form of royal patronage. Their location opposite the Bank of England and their reputation for supplying "the World's Elite," placed them in the direct orbit of the aristocracy and the royal household. To be a silversmith of choice for the upper echelons of society was, in effect, to operate under a de facto royal warrant, as taste and fashion flowed from the palace to the townhouses of the nobility. The firm’s ability to collaborate with other internationally renowned makers, such as the French firm “Odiot a Paris”, on pieces like this monumental nine-piece tea and coffee set, further cements their position in a rarefied, transnational market of luxury goods reserved for the elite. Beyond the endorsement of royal and aristocratic customers, the firm's legacy is also carried by its presence in national collections. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the world's leading museum of art and design, holds approximately 49 works related to A.B. Savory and Sons in its Metalwork Collection. This institutional recognition is a powerful form of public accolade, affirming that their work transcends mere antique interest and enters the realm of artistic and historical significance. The pieces held by the V&A, which include items made from silver, brass, and mahogany, are preserved as exemplars of British design and manufacturing prowess from the period between 1838 and1866. Such curatorial validation is perhaps the most enduring accolade any craftsman can hope for, ensuring that their name and skill are studied and appreciated by future generations. The firm’s prominence was such that a member of the Savory family, Sir Joseph Savory, would later serve as Lord Mayor of London, further intertwining the family name with the civic and commercial heart of the British Empire.
Savory's Sterling Silver Tea Services: While Savory and Sons produced a vast array of silver objects, from clocks and watches to jewelry and presentation platters, their most enduring legacy is arguably found in their 19th-century sterling silver tea services. These were not mere utilitarian objects but the centerpieces of elaborate Victorian social rituals. The taking of tea and the serving of dessert were performances of domestic elegance and hospitality, and the silver employed in these rituals was a direct reflection of the host's status and refinement. Savory &Sons mastered the art of creating sets that were both functional and spectacular, like this magnificent set, embodying the "Stately Victorian Elegance and Style" that their wealthy clients demanded.
Savory’s Legacy: The legacy of Savory and Sons is one of uncompromising quality and timeless elegance. From its founding by Adey Bellamy Savory to its evolution under his sons and its collaboration with master craftsmen like William Smily, the firm consistently set the standard for British silver. Their work, now preserved in museums and sought after by discerning collectors, provides a tangible link to the grandeur of the Victorian era. Whether in the elaborate chasing of a teapot or the monumental presence of a sterling silver water fountain, the pieces crafted and retailed by Savory & Sons continue to speak of a time when the art of the table was raised to its highest form. Their sterling silver tea services remain the ultimate expression of this art, a testament to the skill and vision of a firm that helped define luxury for an empire.
Set Composition: This amazing set by Savory and Sons and Odiot from Paris is a magnificent example of the quality and craftsmanship for which the firm was internationally known. The majestic water fountain is an amazing 45.50 cm. high to the top of the lid, 28.00 cm. across to the tip of the spout and weighs a stunning 2,911 grams. It is stamped on the underside "A. B. Savory & Sons" plus the appropriate British sterling silver hallmarks. The elegant coffee pot is 25.00 cm. high to the top of the lid, 22.50 cm. across from the end of the handle to the tip of the spout and weighs a stunning 872 grams. It is also stamped on the underside "A. B. Savory & Sons" plus the appropriate British sterling silver hallmarks. The dainty sugar bowl with gold plated (Vermeil) Interior is 22.00 cm. high to the top of the handles, 13.50 cm. across to the ends of the handles and weighs 416 grams. It is also stamped on the underside "A. B. Savory & Sons" plus the appropriate London sterling silver hallmarks. The larger milk / cream pitcher with gold plated (Vermeil) interior is 15.00 cm. high to the top of the handle, 14.00 cm. across from the tip of the spout to the end of the handle and weighs 287 grams. It is also stamped on the underside "A. B. Savory & Sons" plus the appropriate British sterling silver hallmarks.
The stately teapot is 19.50 cm. high to the top of the lid, 25.00 cm. across from the tip of the spout to the end of the handle and weighs 707 grams. It is also stamped on the underside "A. B. Savory & Sons" plus the appropriate British sterling silver hallmarks. The first small dessert serving presentation platter measures roughly 19.00 cm. in length and 18.00 cm. wide. It weighs 371 grams and is also stamped on the underside with the appropriate British sterling silver hallmarks. The second small dessert serving platter measures approximately 18 cm. in length and is 18 cm. wide. It weighs 355 grams and is also stamped on the underside with the appropriate British sterling silver hallmarks. The second small milk / cream pitcher is 12.50 cm. high to the top of the handle, 14.50 cm. across from the tip of the spout to the end of the handle and weighs 279 grams. It is also stamped on the underside "A. B. Savory & Sons" plus the appropriate British sterling silver hallmarks. The amazing accompanying serving tray is silver-plated and measures approximately 67cm. in diameter. It is stamped on the underside "Odiot a Paris" and weighs an astounding 6,800 grams. There is only slight wearing of the silver plate on the underside of the feet, otherwise the platter is in extremely good condition.
