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Drakes Silverplate Carving Trolley
- This exceptional Drakes silverplate and mahogany carte de boeuf is a part of dining history
- The item was used at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, one of London’s oldest and most celebrated restaurants
- This Art Deco trolley epitomizes the elegance of Simpson's service with a rotating domed lid
- Drakes Silversmiths Limited was one of London's finest silversmiths of the time
- Get complete item description here
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Drakes Silversmiths Limited
Circa 1930
This exceptional Drakes silverplate and mahogany carte de boeuf—a remarkable roast beef carving trolley—is a true artifact of dining history from the legendary Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, one of London’s oldest and most celebrated restaurants. Crafted by Drakes Silversmiths Limited, one of London's finest silversmiths of the time, this trolley exemplifies both exquisite craftsmanship and enduring tradition.
Simpson’s, established in 1828 and part of the Savoy buildings, has. . .
Drakes Silversmiths Limited
Circa 1930
This exceptional Drakes silverplate and mahogany carte de boeuf—a remarkable roast beef carving trolley—is a true artifact of dining history from the legendary Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, one of London’s oldest and most celebrated restaurants. Crafted by Drakes Silversmiths Limited, one of London's finest silversmiths of the time, this trolley exemplifies both exquisite craftsmanship and enduring tradition.
Simpson’s, established in 1828 and part of the Savoy buildings, has long been an emblem of English tradition and luxury. Frequented by notable figures like Winston Churchill, King Charles III, Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle, it remains a quintessential dining destination, even visited fictitiously by Sherlock Holmes in Doyle's The Adventure of the Dying Detective.
At the heart of Simpson’s dining experience is the roast beef trolley, introduced in 1848 to ensure chess players—who gathered at the restaurant for intense matches—could enjoy their meals without interrupting their games. This innovative tradition of carving roast beef tableside quickly became the restaurant's signature, solidifying its reputation for blending culinary excellence with a sense of occasion. To this day, roast beef from the iconic carving trolley remains the most famous dish at Simpson’s, celebrated for its exceptional quality and rich heritage.
This Art Deco trolley epitomizes the elegance of Simpson's service. Its large oval domed lid rotates smoothly to reveal an interior fitted with two removable bowls and an aluminum cutting board, ensuring precise carving. The ingenious design includes end handles for easy maneuverability, spirit containers for warming and a mahogany stand with cabriole legs joined by shaped shelves. The top shelf features an elongated silverplated tray with a solid gallery. This carte de boeuf was also part of the iconic Red McCombs collection, which has been highly publicized and studied.
Signed “Drakes Silversmiths Limited / Model D6 No. 1171”
48" high x 39" wide x 24" deep
Provenance:
Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, London
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Red McCombs Collection, Texas
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
| Period: | 20th Century |
| Origin: | England |
| Type: | Meat Trolleys |
| Style: | Art Deco |
| Depth: | 24.0 in. (60.96 cm) |
| Width: | 39.0 in. (99.06 cm) |
| Height: | 48.0 in. (121.92 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
