The stag’s head crest on this service is the symbol of the clan Mackenzie. The original owner is sometimes identified as Sir Alexander Mackenzie (1764-1820), but research now suggests it was his first cousin, Roderick Mackenzie. Both were partners in the Montreal-based North West Company. Roderick Mackenzie (c.1761-1844) resided at Terrebonne, north of Montreal, where he had a large manor house. This dinner service originally had several hundred pieces, 29 of which are at the ROM.