A fine art deco electroplated metal four piece tea set and tray designed and executed by Harold Stabler for Kirby Beard & Co Paris. Circa 1935.
Comprising: teapot, hot water jug, milk jug and sugar bowl, the teapot and hot water jug with bakelite handles and bone or wood finials, on fitted rectangular bakelite tray.
Each metal piece with designer's facsimile signature and stamped with factory mark, 'EPNS.A.I' and 'Rd. No. 810664'
A set without tray was exhibited: Birmingham Gold and Silver 1773-1973, exhibition catalogue, City Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham, 1973, cat. no. H105 and Jennifer Hawkins and Marianne Hollis (eds), Thirties British art and design before the war, exhibition catalogue, Hayward Gallery, London, 1979, cat. no. 3.30.
A set, also lacking tray, is illustrated: British Art and Design 1900 - 1960, Victoria & Albert Museum, exhibition catalogue, London, 1983, pp.144-145.
Another example of Stabler's celebrated tea service is included in the collections of the Royal Museum of Scotland.
Measurement: Tray: 12.5 inches by 7.5 inches.
A similar service with a sugar lacking the lid, previously offered Sotheby's September 22nd, 2005, Lot #90 and Christie's November 20th, 2005 Sale 5723 Lot # 141.