Antique French PUIFORCAT hallmarked sterling silver 7pc serving utensil or implement set including salad fork & spoon, pele a tarte or 'pele a patisserie', and 4pc hors d'oeuvres pieces with an ornate foliate pattern and all original and in the original fitted storage and/or presentation box! Aren't these gorgeous! An original matched set of seven, the two empty spaces in the box show it's missing the large meat carving knife & fork but all the rest are there and in fabulous shape! The handles and blades/bowls are all in sterling silver, the French Minerve or Minerva hallmark on all, the tiny number "1" mark within the markings designates them as being in .950 silver (95% pure and higher than the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). Silversmith marks are for the world renowned House of Puiforcat, Emile Puiforcat and date from the mid to late 1800s. Known for the finest of finery, Puiforcat is one of only a handful of French silversmiths that have attained worldwide name recognition for their long lauded history and reputation for timeless patterns and unrivaled craftsmanship. Now owned by Hermes, also a name known for opulence.
Founded in Paris in 1820 by Emile Puiforcat and his two cousins. The House of Puiforcat's renown owed to Jean Puiforcat, from the fourth generation of the family, whose efforts resulted in the most beautiful pages of its history almost a century later that would establish the company in the avant-garde of modern silverwork. Driven by his father, louis-Victor Puiforcat, the company began evolving towards the high-end of the silversmith’s trade in the late nineteenth century, recreating eighteenth-century masterpieces from his collection that are now exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris. We have a host of superb antique French sterling silver pieces, sets and treasures so, be sure to browse a bit while you're with us. Thanks!
Very good condition. As noted, the set is missing the meat carving knife 7 fork. There is some dimpling to the bulbous portions of the handles but no large dents, damage or repairs to note. The box is original and does show slight signs of its age on the exterior with some surface marks and/or scratches to the burgundy leatherette cover, etc. Retailer stamp inside the box reads "E. Rustan Aine, Rue Francaise 14, Beziers". See pictures for individual weights and measurements.
