Absolutely magnificent & rare complete antique French PUIFORCAT hallmarked 48pc sterling silver & vermeil (18K gold on sterling silver) flatware set including larger dinner sized pieces and vermeil dessert or luncheon sizes, all with a gorgeous ornate pattern and beautifully kept in the original black leatherette storage and/or presentation chest! Amazing! Add some knives and you're set. PUIFORCAT, the pinnacle of French silver really and among a handful of names that are recognizable the world over. A long, lauded history of only the finest of the fine and silversmiths to royalty over the years. Now owned by Hermes of Paris, a name & reputation that also needs no explanation. All pieces bear the post 1878 French Minerve or Minerva hallmark, the tiny number "1" within those marks means they're in .950 silver (95% pure and higher than the .925 standard for 'sterling' silver). The silversmith marks are, of course, for world renowned House of Puiforcat (EP, Emile Puiforcat), Paris circa late 1800s. All kept in the original chest, it also bears the same "FS" monogram on the brass handle. Exceptional, rare! Enjoy!
Very good condition. Some tarnish visible in the ornate scrolling foliate pattern, sorry :). There is some light surface scuffing, indicative of light use, and also a bit of wear to the vermeil on the raised decoration (in places). Overall superb with no dents, damage or repairs to note. See pictures for all weights and measurements.
