Magnificent Victorian silver six piece tea service, comprising large oval double handled tray, spirit kettle, teapot, cream jug, sugar bowl and hot water ewer, all engraved in the high neo-classical Greek Revival taste, with charioteers, warriors, musicians, angels, ribbons and swags, the finials in the form of Grecian helmets. Contained in original red baize lined fitted wooden carrying box. Tray 80 cm width, spirit kettle 44 cm height, total weight 8.75kg Sheffield, 1872, Maker Roberts & Belk. Provenance: This service has been in the Reid family for its entirety, and was brought to New Zealand by Mr John Reid of 'Elderslie' North Otago as a wedding gift to Mr Reid's eldest son John Forrester Reid, hence the engraved initials Jfr. Elderslie is best known as the birth place of the great Phar Lap. John Reid Senior emigrated from Stirling, Scotland and settled in North Otago soon after to become one of the largest and wealthiest estate holders in New Zealand. Reference Victorian Silver and Plate by Patricia Wardle, pg.155.