Solid Silver Cutlery Set with Twelve Oyster Forks. France, Early 19th Century
Spectacular antique solid silver cutlery set, consisting of twelve oyster forks preserved in their original case. The cutlery was manufactured in France in the late 19th century and is in excellent condition. The forks are engraved with the French silver hallmark, depicting the profile of the goddess Minerva. The twelve pieces are stored in perfect order in the original case in which they are presented, arranged in their respective compartments.
All the forks are identical and feature the same decoration: the silver is adorned with beautiful floral motifs in a distinctly Art Nouveau style, lending them the classic naturalistic beauty characteristic of this artistic movement. On the handles of the cutlery, we can see fine lines tracing the contours, with small flowers, buds, and leaves emerging delicately. This is a very free-flowing and asymmetrical decoration, full of charm, that remains timeless despite changing fashions. The top of each piece of cutlery is decorated with reliefs of leaves and scrolls inspired by nature.
The case in which the cutlery is stored is original. The exterior is covered in faux leather in an attractive light brown color, embellished with fine gold trim. The covering is very well preserved, with only slight signs of wear on the edges and corners. The hinges and clasp are also original, as is the off-white satin lining. On the inside of the lid, right in the center, there is a printed inscription clearly showing the name of the store where the cutlery was purchased, the address, and the city: Nantes.
This magnificent silver oyster cutlery set is a glamorous touch that will add class and style to any table.
Dimensions: Width: 32 cm. Depth: 18 cm.