knives around 1700. Today John Osborne sell silverware, cutlery and flatware over most continents to individuals, stores, Hotels and restaurants. Only the finest materials are used and each piece is hand finished by our craftsmen to an enviable standard. The demand for our Sterling Silver has never been greater.

2) Is my Osborne cutlery guaranteed?

A lifetime guarantee is given for Sterling Silver or Stainless Steel and Silver Plated with the 30, 40 or 50 year periods specified in the price list. A guarantee card comes with each order along with instructions on how to keep your cutlery looking beautiful. You can be assured that you are dealing with one of Englands oldest and most successful manufacturers.

3) What Choice do I have?

Our range is possibly the widest choice available from any Sheffield manufacturer. Choose from traditional English designs such as Rattail or Fiddle through to Continental styles such as Ribbon and Bow or Baguette, many are produced not only in Stainless Steel or Silver Plated but also in solid Sterling Silver. Purchase an individual piece or a complete set, the choice is yours.

4a) What is 925 Hallmarked Sterling Silver?

Sterling, sometimes called solid silver has had Copper added for strength and use. Every piece we manufacture is by law delivered to the independent Sheffield Assay Office for testing before being sold. Only when proved to contain at least 925 parts of silver per 1000 will the hallmarks be struck. the symbols consist of the makers or sponsors letters, the 925 oval, the Rose of the Sheffield office, and the lion for fineness. The style of the year letter which is not now compulsory has never been repeated in 700 years.

4b) What is Silver Plate and EPNS?

Silver plating, invented around 1840 is the electroplating method of depoiting pure silver onto another metal. Nickel silver (once called German silver) is brass (Copper & Zinc) usually with 10% of nickel added for strength. EPNS - Electro Plated Nickel Silver.

What is 18/10 Stainless Steel?

Regarded as highly durable and practical for cutlery 18/10 is a chromium alloy steel with 18% of chrome and 10% of nickel. It was invented in Sheffield early in the last century and is almost immune from corrosion, acids and strong detergents.

How do I care for my Osborne Cutlery?

5a) How do I care for my Sterling Silver Cutlery?

Befor using your silver for the first time we advise washing and drying it carefully. To keep your silver shiny and bright it should be washed by hand soon after use with soapy hot water, rinse away soap with hot clean water and dry carefully with a soft cloth.

To avoid staining when your silver has been in contact with certain substances such as salt, eggs, vinegar, mayonnaise and rubber, rinse the pieces off in warm water shortly after use and dry straight after. Never use abrasive pads, never leave it unwashed and never let it soak in any water.

With frequent use your silver will gradually acquire the patina that gives old silver its warmth. By using different place sets each day in rotation the patina will be acquired evenly. Never store your silver in rubber mats or newspaper as this may cause tarnishing. always use storage cloth rolls or your lined canteen if your silver is not used daily.

5b) How do I care for my Silver Plated cutlery?

To keep your Osborne Silver Plated cutlery good looking we suggest you follow these easy care instructions. Whilst Osborne Silver Plate is dishwasher proof, we always recommend hand washing in clean warm soapy water. Rinse again removing all detergent away with fresh water and dry straight after with a soft cloth. Never use rinse and hold on your appliance.

Silver will always tarnish a little and this is readily removed with a silver polish. Never use silver dip as this will attack the stainless blades of your knives.

5c) How do I care for my 18/10 Stainless Steel Cutlery

We suggest washing your stainless thoroughly by hand or in your dishwasher before using for the first time. To keep it looking good whilst almost immune from stains do not neglect it totally. Acids, vinegar or eggs if not removed shortly after use may stain, so wash and dry the items thoroughly. This will ensure your cutlery always looks good and gives you pleasure when used.

Because our knife blades are made from especially hardened steel they are reactive to strong detergents and acids. Wash soon after use never leave them overnight in your dishwasher, and dry straight after washing with a soft cloth.