Silverware Canteen Appraisal

Sterling Silver Flatware Set in Wooden Canteen

This item is a set of sterling silver flatware, housed within a dark stained wooden canteen. The set appears to be designed for an 8-place setting, with '5 pieces to each setting' indicated, although the user notes there are 'only 6 long teaspoons'. The flatware itself exhibits a sleek, unadorned design typical of mid-20th century modern or minimalist styles, with smooth, reflective surfaces and gently curving handles. The material is stated to be sterling silver, indicating a high-quality composition of 92.5% pure silver. The knives, distinctively, have solid handles and what appear to be stainless steel blades, which is a common and practical combination for sterling silver knife sets, as sterling silver blades would be too soft for effective cutting. There are eight knives visibly secured in the lid of the canteen, suggesting a complete knife component for an 8-place setting. The bottom compartment of the canteen holds various forks and spoons, organized in velvet-lined slots. The visible pieces include eight dinner forks (or similar), eight salad forks (or similar), and various spoons. The discrepancies in the number of teaspoons should be noted for inventory accuracy. The wooden canteen is a dark, possibly mahogany or walnut, stain, with a rectangular shape and a hinged lid. The interior is lined with a dark, likely velvet or velveteen, material, which helps prevent tarnishing and scratching of the silver. The canteen features a brass-toned keyhole on the front, suggesting it is lockable, adding a layer of security and presentation. The overall condition appears good from the image, with the silver showing minimal visible tarnishing, suggesting it has been well-maintained or recently polished. No significant damage or repairs are immediately apparent on either the flatware or the canteen, though closer inspection for scratches, dents, or wear patterns on individual pieces would be necessary for a full appraisal. The age is estimated to be mid-20th century, based on the design simplicity and the typical prevalence of such cased flatware sets during that period.