The story of the Armada Dish dates back hundreds of years to the reign of Elizabeth I.  Silver which was supposedly taken from the Armada was used to complete a banqueting service for Sir Christopher Harris.  The service was made up of 22 dishes all of varying sizes, bearing the arms of Sir Christopher Harris and at that time the London Hallmarks.  Around 1645, during the Civil War, the service was buried in a field adjoining Dartmoor, to avoid seizure by the Parliamentary Troops. The service was eventually recovered in the 20^th Century and carefully restored.  The Armada Dish is often seen as a piece which symbolises our country’s victory over the Spanish Fleet.

Although the Armada Dish dates back hundreds of years its plain design makes it a timeless piece, bought for all occasions.  The Silver Rooms  can offer the Armada Dish  in varying sizes. It is a truly beautiful piece which has been hand spun from a single piece of silver. You will find the Armada Dishes in our SILVER TABLEWARE SECTION under the heading SILVER TRAYS & DISHES  http://www.silverrooms.co.uk/silver-trays.aspx

Tankards date back to the 16th Century, and were originally made with a hinged lid, thumb piece and handle.  They were mainly used for beer and a silver tankard was a sign of wealth and success!

Tankards were traditionally very ornate, but over the years, as tastes have evolved they have become generally plainer in design.

They were an important part of 'the family silver' and initials were often engraved as were armorial bearings which filled one side of an otherwise plain body.

The Silver Rooms sell a Sterling Silver Georgian Style Tankard and a Silver Plated version. They are both beautifully made using traditional skills and make a great gift. You no longer see them hung up behind the bars at public houses unfortunately, but many men continue to prefer a good beer from a silver pint pot.

Both our tankards are made by Francis Howard at their factory in Sheffield – this is the oldest silverware company in the UK still run by the original family.

Most of the tankards we sell are engraved, adding that special personal touch!
 

 Silver Wine Coaster

A Silver Wine Funnel is a key tool for decanting wine into a bottle, decanter or claret jug.

Our wine funnel is made the traditional way, in 2 parts. The top part has a hand pierced bottom for the wine to slowly decant through, a piece of muslin can be placed here if you require an even ‘finer strain’. It also has a 22ct gold plated bowl part to prevent the silver from being stained.  The bottom part has the distinctive curve at the end to allow wine to flow down the side of the glass to prevent aeration.

Silver Wine Funnels have been in existence for hundreds of years. One of the earliest examples we have come across is one belonging to Earl Fitzwilliam in 1651.

Our wine funnel is slightly more up to date, and I presume a lot cheaper, than the one owned by Earl Fitzwilliam – it has a plain classic look and carries a very nice bead detailing. It is made by Francis Howard of Sheffield, a silversmith established in 1870, who contiues to make things to old fashioned standards of quality.

You can see the silver funnel within the Silver Drinking Gift’s Section of the site…

 

 

 

Silver Hip Flask

There can be no finer accessory for those who love being outdoors than a sterling silver hip flask.

The silver flask has been used for hundreds of years to hold the owners favourite tipple. Silver has always been a popular metal to make them from, as not only is the precious metal highly desired, but, silver has inherent purifying qualities which do not react with the liquid, and many believe it can even enhance the flavour (but I’m not sure this will ever be proven!).

We carry a range of silver flasks within our sporting gifts section. Our 2 most popular are the Silver Hip Flask which can hold 4 ozs of liquid, and also the 7 ozs version. These sell time and time again, as they are the most popular shape (they have a curved back which will fit snugly into the pocket of the owner) and are plain in style which is perfect for engraving.

Silver Hip Flasks are a great present for any occasion, including special birthday’s, retirement and anniversary gifts. We even sell them as christening presents – a very generous and more importantly practical gift idea which will be used later in life!

Our range of flasks can be found in the Silver Sporting Themed Gifts section of the site.