Decorative case with 12 Dessert Knives in Solid Silver. France, S.XIX.

Magnificent case with 12 French Silver Knives manufactured in the XIX century. This is a fantastic set of dessert knives for twelve diners made entirely in solid silver. The knives are perfectly distributed in a beautiful rectangular case with cushioned interior in striking satin and red velvet. On the inside of the case we find with beautiful golden lettering the name of the manufacturer: L.ARTEON and the location: BAYONNE. The case has slight marks of use and is slightly affected by woodworm. Straight blade knives where we find on the blade engraved: PARIS, and nice curved handle in silver decorated on the front by an elegant shield. This fantastic set of knives alternates 4 knives with one shield and 8 with another. On some knives we find a Victorian style shield without engraving, with beautiful acanthus leaves, scrolls and a beautiful pearl interior. The other shield of undulating profile, also with acanthus leaves and beautiful scrolls, differs because it has an engraved interior. The knives have the mark of solid sterling silver with the French hallmark (Minerva) on the top of the handle, which attests to its origin and originality. It is a very beautifully made cutlery, very original and decorative.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 sometimes the handle has been made with other materials, such as wood or ceramics. 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 pieces as decorative as this cutlery stands out. This type of pieces are characterized by decoration of varied ornamental motifs with a mixture of styles marked by the search for new forms, above all very decorative, that show the high status of those who could afford them.Decorative knives with which to enjoy a good dessert.Measures: 21 cms (length knives) and 23 x 22 cm (case).