Martelé Bar Collection

Your guide to Martelé Bar Collection

The Martelé Bar Collection is perhaps the most distinctive and characterful of all the Robbe & Berking barware ranges. Where Belvedere draws on the clean geometry of classical architecture and Dante celebrates the pleasures of craft cocktail culture, Martelé is defined by something altogether more tactile and immediate: the hammer mark.

Every piece in the Martelé collection is finished by hand using a traditional hammering technique that leaves the surface alive with the subtle irregularities and facets that only human craftsmanship can produce. No two pieces are ever quite identical. The hammered finish catches and scatters light in ways that a polished or machine-finished surface simply cannot, creating an ever-changing visual effect depending on the angle and quality of the light around it. In candlelight, the effect is especially remarkable.

The name Martelé comes from the French for "hammered", and this process is central to both the aesthetics and the identity of the collection. It is a technique with deep roots in the history of fine silversmithing, where the hammer was the primary tool of the craftsman's art. Robbe & Berking's revival of this approach in a contemporary bar collection is a statement of intent: that true luxury lies not in perfection, but in the visible evidence of human skill and care.

Silver-Plated, Hammer-Finished, by Hand

Every item in the Martelé collection is silver-plated and hammer-finished by hand. The silver plating applies a generous coating of pure silver to a strong base, delivering the brilliant reflectivity and thermal properties of silver at an accessible price point, while the hand-hammering creates the collection's signature surface texture. The combination of these two processes — industrial-quality plating and artisan finishing — results in pieces that feel genuinely special from the moment you pick them up.

The Practical Advantages of Silver Barware

Like all Robbe & Berking silver barware, the Martelé collection benefits from silver's unique physical properties. Its high thermal conductivity means each vessel quickly assumes the temperature of its contents, so a chilled champagne flute stays cold at the rim, and the experience of drinking is more immediate and sensory than from conventional crystal or glass. Silver is also shatterproof — a significant practical advantage for pieces that will be used regularly and handled often.

The Collection

The Martelé range encompasses the full spectrum of home bar requirements: champagne flutes for celebrations, whisky tumblers for contemplative sipping, and a selection of other vessels and accessories that together form a complete and cohesive bar set. The hammer-finished surface unifies everything across the collection, so pieces can be built up over time with the confidence that each new addition will complement what came before.

About Robbe & Berking

Founded in Flensburg, Germany in 1874, Robbe & Berking is one of Europe's great silverware houses. More than 150 years of hand craftsmanship inform everything the company produces, and the Martelé Bar Collection is one of their most powerful expressions of that heritage. At Lincoln House Cutlery, we are proud to be among the UK's leading stockists of Robbe & Berking silverware, and our team is always on hand to help you find the right pieces for your home or as a gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Martelé collection different from other Robbe & Berking bar collections?
The defining characteristic of Martelé is its hand-hammered finish. Every piece is individually worked by hand using traditional hammering techniques, creating a textured surface that is subtly unique to each item. This sets it apart from the Belvedere collection (which features a smooth cannelure-inspired design) and the Dante collection (which offers polished silver and gold-plate finishes). Martelé is the most artisanal and tactile of the three ranges.

What does "Martelé" mean?
Martelé is a French word meaning "hammered". It refers to the traditional silversmithing technique of working a metal surface with a hammer to create a distinctive textured finish. The technique has a long history in fine silversmithing, and Robbe & Berking's use of it in the Martelé Bar Collection is a deliberate nod to this heritage.

Is the hammered finish applied by hand?
Yes. Every piece in the Martelé collection is hammer-finished by hand, meaning no two pieces are entirely identical. The subtle variations in the surface are a hallmark of genuine artisan craftsmanship, not a defect.

What is the Martelé collection made from?
All Martelé barware is silver-plated — a high-quality base metal is coated with a generous layer of pure silver, then hand-hammered to create the collection's signature finish. The result combines the durability and value of silver plate with the unique visual quality that only hand-finishing can achieve.

Why does silver make better drinkware than crystal or glass?
Silver has a high thermal conductivity, meaning each vessel quickly takes on the temperature of the drink inside it. This gives the drinker a more immediate sensory experience — a cold drink feels colder, and the vessel itself becomes part of the pleasure of drinking. Silver is also completely shatterproof, making it far more robust than crystal or glass for regular entertaining use.

What pieces are included in the Martelé collection?
The Martelé range includes champagne flutes, whisky tumblers, and a selection of other vessels and bar accessories. Please browse the full collection or contact our team for the most up-to-date information on available pieces.

Is Martelé a good gift?
It makes an outstanding one. The hand-hammered finish gives each piece an artisan quality that makes it feel genuinely special and personal — ideal for weddings, significant birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion where a lasting, meaningful gift is called for. Our team can help you choose the right piece and advise on presentation.

How do I care for hand-hammered silver-plated barware?
Hand wash in warm water with a mild detergent and dry immediately with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scourers, which can damage both the silver plating and the hammered texture. If tarnishing appears over time, a quality silver cloth or polish will restore the finish. Store pieces in a dry environment away from direct sunlight and humidity.

Can I mix Martelé pieces with other Robbe & Berking collections?
The three Robbe & Berking bar collections — Martelé, Belvedere, and Dante — each have their own distinct character. Some customers enjoy mixing pieces across collections for a more eclectic bar aesthetic, though Martelé's hand-hammered texture is strong enough that many prefer to keep it as a cohesive set on its own.

Do you offer engraving or bespoke services for Martelé pieces?
Lincoln House Cutlery offers engraving and bespoke services on selected silverware. Please contact our team directly to discuss what options are available for specific Martelé pieces.

What is your delivery and returns policy?
We offer free delivery on all UK orders over £50. International delivery is also available — please see our International Delivery page for full details. We operate a 30-day money-back guarantee, provided items are returned unused, in their original condition, and suitably repackaged.

Do you supply Martelé barware for hospitality or commercial use?
Yes. Lincoln House Cutlery works with hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses and can provide guidance and quotes for commercial orders. Please visit our Hospitality page or call us on 01458 258 458 to discuss your requirements.