Cased Sterling Silver Teaspoons and Strainer, Nine Pieces, Glasgow, Mid-Twentieth Century

Story

Nine pieces of hallmarked British sterling silver — 8 teaspoons and a pierced tea strainer spoon — in their original fitted presentation case. Maker's mark C.J.A., lion passant, and date letter, in a classic Old English pattern that has been set at proper tables for two hundred years.

The case is what elevates this from silverware to a gift. Blue leather exterior, black velvet interior fitted to hold each piece in place, silk-lined lid printed with the retailer's mark: J.R. & W. Laing, Jewelers, 85 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow. A Scottish jeweler established in the 1800s. Someone walked into that shop and chose this set for someone who mattered.

The whole ritual of afternoon tea is in this box — the spoons, the strainer, the precision of a matched set. It's a complete thought, not a collection of parts.

The case also includes a stainless steel grapefruit knife marked Sheffield with original bone handle intact — a later addition, no doubt, but a charming and somehow appropriate companion that found its way into the box somewhere along the line.

Pairs well with our Art Deco beehive tea set, currently in the shop.

Origin

British sterling silver, hallmarked. Retailed by J.R. & W. Laing, Jewelers, 85 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, C.2. Original fitted presentation case. Mid-20th century.

Condition

Excellent vintage condition. All nine pieces present and matching. Sterling surfaces are bright and clean with light use-consistent wear. No monograms or engravings. Original fitted case is intact with minor age-appropriate wear to the exterior; silk lining and velvet interior are clean and undamaged. Clasp functions properly.

Dimensions

Case: approximately 10" L × 6" W × 1.5" H
Teaspoons: approximately 5" L each

Sourcing Note

I found this set in a church thrift store in New York City, buried beneath a stack of records. The blue case caught my eye first — one of those details that makes you stop before you even know what you’re looking at.

The moment I opened it, I knew it was something special. Everything was still there, fitted neatly into place, and in remarkably pristine condition. There is something especially satisfying about finding an object like this in such an unexpected setting: complete, beautifully kept, and clearly treasured before it found its way there.

That contrast is part of what I love about sourcing — a quiet little case hidden under a pile of records, holding this beautifully preserved silver set inside.

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