Dessert fork, Midland Railway - Midland Cars

Dessert fork, silver plated, by George Butler & Co, Sheffield, Midland Railway, marked on handle "Midland Cars".

Before convenient packaging was invented, station refreshment rooms, hotels and dining cars served food and drink in silverware and fine china. All sets needed to match and could not be used if chipped or incomplete. Cups, cutlery and crockery were embellished with the company name to help prevent losses and theft.