Royal crest and order of garter

[bearkin]

I have 12 silver gilt dessert knives hallmarked on London 1802. On each knife is engraved a crest which consists of oval band containing the motto of the order of the garter "honi soit qui mal y pense". Inside the band is what looks the the Royal UK crest: a crowned lion, standing on a crown. The band is topped with another crown. The engraving appears to be origin.  There was another engraving on the knife on the other side but these have been erased. l had always assumed these knives were used in some official capacity and the original owners initials were erased before they were sold.

I was wondering if someone had some insight into the use of royal chest in conjunction with the order of the garter motto which might explain where these knives came from.

The engraving is too small to photo.

Thanks, Peter

[ScouseBoy]

have they got a hallmark?

[bearkin]

yes for London 1802. Pete

[ScouseBoy]

Where did they come from, do you know?    Have you inherited them from family?

[bearkin]

No, I got them from Phillips at an auction 20 years ago. Pete

[ScouseBoy]

Can you recall what the description was at that time?   or have you still got the record of sale?

[KGarrad]

Usually, small items (such as cutlery) contain a cypher - just a small part of the full achievement of arms.

The Royal Coat-of-Arms is used by many Government Departments, and also by many regiments in the British Army.

Could they be regimental cutlery?

[bearkin]

Thanks. That was always my thought that they might be regimental cutlery. Looking at royal cyphers all the examples I can find have the monarch's initials in the middle. In my case I have the royal crest. I cannot find any example like mine. If anyone could find an example I would be most curious to see it.

Thanks, Peter

[KGarrad]

I can't find an example, either!

But my thoughts were based on the current logo of the British Army:
Crowned lion on a crown, with crossed swords behind