An early 20th century Anglo-Indian Raj unmarked silver three-piece tea set, Karachi circa 1911

Comprising a teapot, a covered milk jug and a covered twin handled sugar bowl. Each of octofoil lobed form upon a circular collet foot with corded borders. The teapot with curved spout opposite a curved handle with inset carved ivory insulators. All over decoration of embossed scrolling foliage and fruiting vine, each with a shield shaped cartouche with engraved cypher DRM in gothic script. Each lid surmounted by a pyriform chased finial. The teapot engraved with inscription to the rim “From her parents June 1911”. (3)

Teapot length – 20 cm / 7.9 inches

Total weight – 1452 grams / 46.68 ozt

“As a result of the great famine in Cutch in 1899, many Cutchi silversmiths left their homeland and settled in Karachi. (…) One of the consequences of such exposure was that a flourishing export trade of “Karachi-Cutch” silverwork was soon established. (…) The silverwork by Cutuchi silversmiths working in Karachi was often of a very high standard and the carefully presented compositions were worked with skill and patience in slightly deeper relief than that of Cutch work from other regions.” Wilkinson, W., (1999)., Indian Silver 1858-1947: Decorative Silver from the Indian Sub-Continent and Burma Made by Local Craftsmen in Western Forms. London, Wynyard R T Wilkinson, P. 70