This heavily silver plated beautiful toast rack has the clear and distinct monogram of the BISNC garter emblem, the early logo, on every piece.

They have seen quite a bit of action and have the odd surface scratch. They have been polished in-house here yet patina has not been compromised, but the use is evident and shows their nigh on 100 years of age.

They were manufactured by the world-renown Mappin and Webb silversmiths (whose date marks are not consistent) Because of their design and old logo, they probably date to around 1900.

The British India Steam Navigation Company Limited, dating from 1862, was one of Britain’s largest and most important shipping firms and has been owned by the even larger P&O since 1914. BI, as it was commonly called, created and maintained a great network of sea-going services – to Africa, India and the Middle East, and to the more distant Far East. BI passenger ships in particular were important for the steady, uninterrupted flow of representatives and citizens of the Crown – from the likes of High Commissioners in first class to Indian workers in deck class.