Vintage 1950’s Slack & Barlow Sheffield Silver-Plated Cutlery Canteen for 6 in Fitted Table

Some pieces don’t just survive from another era — they bring their story with them.

This beautiful Slack & Barlow canteen was given to Margaret and Harry in 1956, almost certainly to mark their marriage or engagement. Remarkably, the original handwritten gift card has remained with the set for approximately 70 years:

“To Margaret & Harry, with best wishes for your future happiness. From Mum & Dad. 1956.”

Made by Slack & Barlow (Sheffield) Ltd, England, the cutlery features the highly decorative King’s-style pattern traditionally associated with formal English table settings.

What makes this example particularly special is its presentation. Rather than a conventional portable canteen, the service is housed within an elegant purpose-made timber occasional table, with a decorative veneered top, shaped apron and cabriole-style legs. Lift the hinged top and the fitted blue-lined interior reveals the cutlery arranged across two levels.

It is a wonderful survivor from the era when a quality Sheffield cutlery service was a significant wedding gift intended to accompany a couple throughout married life.

What’s Included

A fitted six-person cutlery service, including a selection of dinner and entrée/dessert knives, forks, spoons and teaspoons, together with serving and carving utensils as pictured.

Also included are the original fitted timber canteen/table and the original handwritten 1956 gift card from Mum and Dad to Margaret and Harry.

Please refer to the photographs for the exact contents of the set.

Product Details

: Slack & Barlow (Sheffield) Ltd
Origin: Sheffield, England
Date: 1956, supported by original dated gift card
Pattern: Ornate King’s-style pattern
Material: Silver-plated cutlery with stainless-steel knife blades
Place settings: 6
Presentation: Fitted blue-lined timber canteen incorporated into an occasional table
Blade marking: “SLACK & BARLOW (SHEFFIELD) LTD ENGLAND” and “STAINLESS STEEL”
Provenance: Original handwritten presentation card dated 1956
Era: Mid-century / 1950s

Condition

Very good vintage condition overall, particularly considering the set dates to 1956.

The cutlery presents extremely well, retaining a bright finish with normal light surface marks consistent with age and use. The timber canteen/table also presents attractively, with minor marks and wear expected of a piece approximately 70 years old.

The blue fitted interior shows some age-related wear, lint and minor marking.

Most importantly, the original 1956 presentation card has survived with the set and will remain with it as part of its provenance.

Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

Why You’ll Love It

This is much more than a vintage cutlery service.

Its combination of Sheffield manufacture, an ornate traditional pattern, unusual furniture-form canteen and documented 1956 family provenance makes it a particularly appealing example.

Closed, it functions as an attractive vintage occasional table. Open it, and it reveals an elegant six-person table service that evokes formal entertaining in the 1950s.

And with Margaret and Harry’s original gift card still inside, we even know something about the people for whom it was originally purchased.

A beautiful piece for collectors of Sheffield cutlery, vintage tableware and mid-century household history — or for someone looking for a genuinely distinctive service to use and enjoy.

Shipping

Due to the size and weight of the fitted table/canteen, collection from Vintage HQ is preferred.

Local delivery may be available by arrangement. Please contact Vintage HQ before purchasing if delivery is required.

For interstate buyers, please contact us to discuss possible freight options and obtain a quote.