Magnificent case with 12 knives in silver. France, XIX Century.

Magnificent case with 12 French silver knives manufactured in the XIX century. This is a fantastic set of knives for twelve diners made entirely in silver. The knives are perfectly distributed alternately in a beautiful rectangular case with cushioned interior in striking red satin and purple velvet. On the inside of the case we find with beautiful golden lettering the name of the manufacturer: L.ARTEON and the location: BAYONNE. Straight blade knives in stainless steel, and beautiful curved handle in silver decorated on the front by an elegant Victorian style shield without engraving, with beautiful acanthus leaves, scrolls and a beautiful pearl interior. The knives have the solid sterling silver mark with the French hallmark (Minerva) on the top of the handle. All knives are hallmarked, which attests to their value and age. It is a very beautifully made cutlery, with a very defined style and an enormous decorative quality.The concept of cutlery as such is relatively recent, specifically from the 18th century. The knife was the third to be developed in England, after the fork and the spoon, at the time of Charles II, where we find examples in which the handle has sometimes been made with other materials, such as wood or ceramic. In fact, it is in the handles of these three pieces where the decoration is carried out with the most varied and elaborate forms, as in this case the elegant Victorian coat of arms. At the end of the 19th century the desire of the wealthiest classes to show their status in decorative pieces stands out and in many cases the cutlery is used to show their high social position. This type of pieces are characterized by decoration of varied ornamental motifs with a mixture of styles, undoubtedly marked by the search for new and striking forms that were above all very decorative.Magnificent set of knives perfect to complete a cutlery set and use them in special occasions.Measures: 25 cms (length knives) and 28 x 18 cm (case).