High Victorian Sterling Silver and Ivory Tea Set. James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield, 1878.

This item can only be shipped to domestic Australian addresses

A stunning and substantial High Victorian sterling silver and ivory tea set. Marks for James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield, 1878.

The overall teaset is stunning, with lovely wrought details, etched designs and gilt-washed interiors. Ivory details to the finials as well as to the bands of the teapot complete the look. But the highlight is a lovely inscription written in a high Victorian style. 

Presented to G.P. Bell by A Number of Friends as an Expression of their  High Esteem For Him Personally and their Appreciation of the Valuable Service Rendered by Him to this District during the Last 16 Years as Teacher of the Northeast Harbour School Otago Peninsula October 20th, 1880.
Upon further research, it appears that the most likely historical figure referred to here was Mr J.P. Bell, a beloved and respected teacher at the Northeast Harbour Bay School, one of the oldest schools in New Zealand. The school still exists today, now known as the Macandrew Bay School, and was founded in 1859. 

Below is a charming description of Bell as per one of his former students in 1931.

"Mr Macandrew briefly traced the history of the school, and referred to the various teachers. He made special reference to the late Mr J. P. Bell, who was known as a highly-educated man, capable of teaching any of the subjects dealt with in the curriculum of education, He also had a happy knack of imparting his knowledge and of retaining the interest and respect of his scholars. In addition, Mr Bell was a kindly, courteous gentleman who earned the goodwill and respect of all with whom he came in contact."

Price marked at $8400 AUD for the set. 

Teapot: 29cm across (handle to spout), height 19cm, base 11 by 15cm. 698 grams total weight.

Sugar bowl: 23cm across (incl. handles), height 15cm, base 9.5cm by 14cm. 449 grams total weight. 

Creamer: 13.5cm across (incl. handles), height 14cm, base 6.5 by 9.3cm. 255 grams

Excellent antique condition overall, with light wear to gilt interiors of the teapot and creamer. Light wear overall commensurate with age and careful use.