Antique Solid Silver Gilt Flatware. Napoleon III, 1870. France

Extraordinary portable dessert-cutlery made of gold-plated solid silver, complete and dated in the period of Napoleon III (1870). This awesome set undoubtedly belonged to someone of the French nobility. It comes from France and is stored in its original case, a wonderful piece of furniture in excellent condition. The cutlery is complete and includes four dessert dishes, a small recipient with two bone handles (probably for jams) and a fine silver sculptural piece, possible for smokers. The bottom holes of this piece seem to be designed to hold cigarettes, while the small tray on top of the female figure is most probably an ashtray. The cutlery is composed of 18 knives and the same number of dessert forks and spoons. There are also 12 teaspoons, tweezers to pick sugar cubes and a strainer. All the pieces bear hallmarks corresponding to two different silversmiths: Martial Fray (in the dishes and the top pieces) and L.B. The gold-plated finish that embellishes the silver is in amazing condition, just like the cutlery and the dishes themselves. All the pieces show off beautiful baroque engraved decoration. On the other hand, the knives blades are delicately engraved by hand with a lovely asymmetrical motif. The fine piece of furniture designed to store and protect the cutlery is made of solid wood and bears a greatly-preserved black-lacquered finish. The boxs lid bears the golden initials M.G.; they are also engraved in the dishes and the knives. Inside the storing case is completely covered of fine fuchsia moiré silk, in wonderful condition. The drawers fronts and the trays edges are covered by fuchsia velvet; they are also adorned with delicate ormolu or brass knobs and details. The case preserves the original lock and key in perfect working order, and the leather sleeve that has protected it for more than one hundred and fifty years. This extraordinary and complete portable dessert-cutlery in gold-plated solid silver probably belonged to an important person, as it is fit for an emperor. Measurements: Storing Case: Width: 23.6 in / 59 cm. Height: 10.2 in / 25.5 cm. Depth: 14 in / 35 cm. Weight: Cutlery without Knives: 2275 g. Set of Knives: 443 g.