A large cased cutlery service by A. E. Poston & Co. Ltd., London, presented in a fitted wooden canteen box with hinged lid and lower drawer. The set includes table forks, dessert forks, knives, serving pieces, spoons and other flatware, arranged in velvet-lined compartments.

The cutlery is silver-plated, with bright polished surfaces and simple elegant handles. Several pieces are marked “A. E. Poston & Co. Ltd. London”. The set was presented as a retirement gift, as indicated by the brass presentation plaque on the lid.

The inscription reads:
“Presented to G. Ryan by the Directors & Staff of C. W. Martin & Sons Ltd. on the occasion of his retirement, 25th March 1939.”

The canteen box is made of wood with a rich brown finish, fitted interior, brass hinges and lock fittings. One dessert spoon is missing.

Origin:
England, London.

Maker / Retailer:
A. E. Poston & Co. Ltd., London.

Period:
Early 20th century, presentation dated 25 March 1939.

Type:
Cased cutlery service / canteen of flatware.

Material:
Silver-plated metal, steel blades, ivorine or imitation ivory handles, wooden fitted box, textile lining.

Technique:
Silver plating, metalwork, fitted cabinetmaking.

Decoration:
Plain polished silver-plated flatware with fitted wooden presentation case.

Marks:
Marked “A. E. Poston & Co. Ltd. London” on several pieces. Additional registration or pattern marks visible on some items.

Presentation inscription:
Presented to G. Ryan by the Directors & Staff of C. W. Martin & Sons Ltd. on the occasion of his retirement, 25th March 1939.

Dimensions:
Box: 18 × 32 × 46 cm.

Weight:
Not provided.

Condition:
Age-related wear, scratches, surface marks, tarnish and rubbing to the silver-plated surfaces. The fitted case shows wear, marks and signs of use. One dessert spoon is missing. The condition is shown in the photographs.

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