A c.1900-1920s French writer's set in original leather etui, this set is in remarkably fine condition throughout. The 18k gold layer on .800/1000 pure silver, guaranteed by that tiny profile of a boar's head (silver mark in French hallmarks) is still very strongly in place on this elegant old set. The set looks to have been used little if at all. Perhaps was a commemorative gift of more significance as a souvenir of a career or service, or marks a religious or school graduation, and was kept as memento. The elegant monogram is an overlapped T and G, so will work in either presentation. Or is it a T and C? You can determine it better. These are French made, so it's interesting that the jeweler's gold embossed cachet is a business in Saigon. Elegant pieces, all, the pen needs only a nib to be ready to serve, and you can buy those in any office supply. A friend writes to us: "Henri Lambin (Paris) was the maker of this set -- the HL between two ears of corn, c. 1909 - 1936. One sterling site has him listed as having the initials between two swords, but clearly, these are not swords. Vietnam was under French colonial rule during the 20s, so it makes sense that they would import French goods in Saigon to sell to the French ex-patriots. Lovely set!
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the leather outer case is beautifully preserved. I didn't use silver polish on the old sterling vermeil (18k gold) implements inside because it's an issue of removing 18k gold, so you'll notice a bit of long-time storage tarnish. Will polish up very well, but I suggest a bit more elbow grease with a soft cotton cloth and little or no polishing compound. There are no chips on the letter opener blade, which is very fine. The entire set, elegant and in the style of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette with floral garlands and acanthus finials. Measurements are noted on the photos.
