Early 20th C. Automobile Five Person Picnic Set c.1914-1917

ABOUT

An original automobile picnic set for five. Includes 2 metal food storage containers, 5 enamel mugs, salt and pepper shakers, 5 enamel plates, 5 silver and Bakelite knives stamped Sheffield, England, 1 large thermos with 2 drinking cups inside, 5 napkins and 1 small table cloth. Original locking key. 

• CREATOR Unknown. Plates and Mugs: KER Sweden. Thermos: Landers, Frarey and Clark, Cutlery: Sheffield, England. 
  
• DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1914-1917. 
  
• MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES  Leather, Silver, Nickel, Enamel, Bakelite. 
  
• CONDITION Good. With appropriate patina for age. Three missing spoons. 
  
• DIMENSIONS Case: H 5.5 in. W 16 in. D 16 in.

HISTORY

Early picnic sets were generally wicker cased with simple arrangements of flasks glasses and sandwich tins. More lavish sets aimed at the wealthy were made in leather and sumptuously fitted with separate compartments for plates, saucers, glasses, sandwich boxes, condiment sets, milk bottles, drinks bottles, kettles, burners, oil (fuel) containers. Sometimes ceramic butter and preserves pots were supplied with lids secured by leather straps.