法國銀器刀叉組
Antique French Restauration Sterling Silver Flatware Service
Antiques: Silver:Flatware
An exceptional quality, beautifully ornate, late 1830's to earliest 1840's French Restauration era sterling silver 24 piece dining service for 12, complete with original leather presentation box. This service is comprised of 12 large forks and 12 large spoons, with elegant fiddle-shaped handles richly decorated with deep relief floral, foliate, shell, and scroll motifs. Monogram 'L.R'. All pieces are original to the service, and stamped with the French Minerve 950 mark and maker's mark for Parisian silversmith Gabriel DUVIVIER, active from 1830 to 1855.
Prior to the introduction of the Minerve mark in 1838, hallmarks were always punched the the back of handles. With the introduction of the Minerve, the positioning of the marks changed to the wells of spoons and forks. The marks are punched on the back of the handles for each piece of this service, which indicates it was crafted very shortly after the Minerve mark was introduced.
Condition is excellent with only light signs of usage, fork tines are even, and spoon wells unblemished. The presentation box while rather weary externally, has a well preserved chamois fitted interior.
During the 1800s In France, the giving of a knife was deemed a sign of cutting a friendship, and as flatware services were a traditional wedding gift, they generally excluded knives. Ivory, ebony, mother of pearl, or silver handled knives were then purchased separately. 12 French mother of pearl knives, with steel blades, will be supplied with this service. Please click listing image to access photos and measurements.