Late 19th Century French Sterling Silver 39 Piece Flatware Dessert Service for 18

Description

Superb antique mid-19th century French sterling silver dessert / cake flatware set, service for 18. Comprising of 18 dessert forks, … more Superb antique mid-19th century French sterling silver dessert / cake flatware set, service for 18. Comprising of 18 dessert forks, 18 dessert spoons, a serving spoon and serving knife, as well as a cut crystal dish with sterling silver rim. The set features gold vermeil finish bowls and tines, the handles decorated with elegant rocailles and foliage. Monogrammed with interlaced initials PC, matching the letters on the lid of the box. The flatware set is fully hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark used from 1838, which depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her to denote a silver content of 950/1000 (of 95% silver and a higher finesse than .925 sterling). Bearing maker's marks for silversmith François-Auguste Boyer-Callot, active from 1865 at 30 rue Sainte-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie, Paris. The cut crystal dish features deep wheel cut decoration, mounted with a sterling silver rim bearing maker's marks for the silversmith firm of Emile Puiforcat. The set is housed protectively in the original presentation box with gorgeous light blue satin fitted interior. Condition: In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with age and use. Some scratches on the base of the crystal. The presentation box shows age-related wear.

Dimensions: Serving knife measures 11" length; Serving spoon is 9 1/4" length; Spoons measure 5 1/2" length; Forks measure 5 5/8". Total silver weight is 1214.7 grams. The dish is 10 1/4" diameter x 1 1/2" height. Box measures 16 1/2" x 12" x 4 1/8" height. less