Antique Serving Set with Silver Handles. France, Circa 1900

Fine antique serving cutlery set in its original case, with solid-silver handles and in really good condition. The set comes from France and is dated circa 1900. It is composed of three pieces: carving knife, fork with clamp and a utensil to hold the piece to be carved in its place. The handles of the three pieces are made of solid silver; they all bear hallmarks that guarantee it. They are decorated with wonderful hand-engraved motives depicting stylish modernist-style flowers. The flowers engraved in the handles weave their stems creating designs much to the taste of the Art Nouveau style that was all the rage in turn-of-the-century Europe. The motives remain in great condition, with no worn parts at all. The hallmarks are located in the part of the handle which connects to the metal piece. The knifes steel blade bears the word PARIS clearly engraved in the metal surface. On the other hand, the fork mounts a small top clamp that can be pressed with the index finger to grab the pieces of food securely. The third piece is a very curious item. It is composed of two twin metal pieces which are caught up by a screwed clamp. The piece to be carved must be introduced between the two parts of the utensil; then, the user will press the clamp so it the metal pieces come together and keep the piece of food in place. As stated before, the cutlery set comes in its original case: a delicate box outside covered by green leather decorated with gilt fringes. Inside the case bears a fine fuchsia and salmon-colored satin lining. Gorgeous, antique and functional, this awesome serving cutlery set with silver handles will shine in the stateliest dinner.