Fabulous complete antique French PUIFORCAT sterling silver 9pc breakfast, baptism or Christening gift set including tumbler or "timbale", egg cup & spoon, napkin ring & 5pc flatware table setting, all with an engraved "Madeleine" inscription or dedication and all beautifully preserved in the original uniquely shaped leatherette storage and/or presentation box! Often given as baptism or christening gifts, this one with luncheon sized flatware and all pieces beautifully engraved, and the box gilt embossed, with "Madeleine". A rare, complete Puiforcat set in the original box, a treasure here! 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 early 1850-1880s on this set. The inside of the box bears a gold embossed label in the lid that reads "C. Detouche, Paris, Fournisseur de S.M. L'Empereur, (address), Mathilde". A glorious ensemble, don't miss it!
Very good to excellent condition. All pieces wonderfully preserved in the original fitted storage and/or presentation box. Some very faint surface scuffing possible but no dents, damage or repairs to note. There are some age or corrosion marks on the one knife's steel blade, some wear or fading to the vermeil bowl of the egg spoon. The box is also in great shape with just a bit of age darkening to the pale cream colored exterior. See pictures for all weights and measurements.
