THIS SERVICE WAS PRESENTED TO JOHN RODGERS, A DIRECTOR OF JOSEPH RODGERS AND SONS ON HIS EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY. JOSEPH RODGERS AND SONS, THE FAMOUS FIRM OF CUTLERS AND SILVERSMITHS WHICH BECAME A LIMITED COMPANY IN 1871, WAS FOUNDED IN 1682. ORIGINALLY MAKERS OF PEN AND POCKET KNIVES, THEY EXTENDED THEIR BUSINESS TO INCLUDE SILVER AND ELECTROPLATED PIECES AND BY 1901 EMPLOYED SOME 2000 PEOPLE. THEY EXHIBITED AT THE GREAT EXHIBITION IN 1851, THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1862 AND THE MANCHESTER EXHIBITION OF 1887.

THE 'LILY' PATTERN WAS REGISTERED BY ELKINGTON IN 1850 AND A NUMBER OF THE TEASPOONS BEAR REGISTRATION MARK FOR THE DATE OF REGISTRATION