Elegant antique French Napoleon III era 26pc knife set, a service for twelve in dinner & luncheon or dessert knives with carved handles, sterling ferrules and 'RP' monograms! A great set, not only are they some of the finest pieces we have but they'd go wonderfully with the popular seashell themed patterns and the blades are truly in fine condition. A full service for twelve in 9 3/4" dinner and " luncheon or dessert sizes. All kept in what appears to be the original two layer black tooled leather storage chest, complete with polished brass handle and clasps! A bit about French sterling flatware and the Heritage (with capital H) and Traditions (with capital T) that help define it as the best in the world: A traditional wedding gift, these magnificent French sterling silver flatware sets were almost always packaged without knives. Why is this? Another French tradition has to do with the gift of knives or a knife as a symbol of the cutting or ending of a relationship. And no where on earth is tradition more important, perhaps, than to the French culture. So, in light of the symbolism of the gift, knives were not part of a wedding gift, not packaged or even usually made with the matching pattern of the forks, spoons in a set, and are something added later and as compliments to the table's sterling silver choice. And ever the center influence in fashion, this also opportuned the happy result of knives made in coordinating and complimenting fashion with handles of rich elegant mother of pearl, fine iv ry, blond natural horn, or exotic hardwoods like ebony (a French Empire 'must') walnut, rosewood. The result is that you can add sets of knives to compliment and define your table setting.
Very good condition. There are a few age or drying cracks in the handles but no chips, breaks or repairs to not. The blades are all just as you see them, in great shape with very little to no corrosion or tarnish. The box is in fine shape, missing side ribbons that told the lid open but the handle and both clasps are intact and in fine working order. See pictures for measurements.
