12 silver dinner knives in the rare private English royal die pattern known as Adelaide, maker's mark Mary Chawner, London, 1837-38. 10-7/8"L. The blades are stamped Garrard and are likely plated steel. The shaped foliate scroll hollow sterling handles feature the royal crown chased in relief on both sides and are engraved with the monogram AR for Queen Adelaide, the consort of King William IV. The couple married in 1818, and none of their children survived infancy. The King died in 1837, and his niece Victoria was made Queen while Adelaide lived an active retirement, travelling extensively in Britain and abroad. She died in 1849; the city of Adelaide, Australia, is named for her. Mary Chawner was one of the relatively few female silversmiths of the period. Her father, brother and husband were all silversmiths as well, and she took over her husband's business when he died in 1834. For related pieces in this flatware pattern, see Christie's, lot #44, April 13, 1995 and Lawrence's Auction, UK, lot #17, April 12, 2011. Provenance: A Mississippi estate.

Overall excellent condition with some light wear and dark spots to the blades, light wear to relief elements and monograms on the handles, scattered minute dents and scratches.