Elegant antique French Napoleon III era 20pc knife set, a 2pc service for TEN with Louis XVI or Neoclassical patterned handles and original fitted storage or presentation box! A beautiful, bold set with fluted pillars, the handles feature prominent vertical fluting, mimicking the classical architectural columns central to Louis XVI design. Acanthus and palmette accents, the rounded pommels (tops) and ferrule collars near the blade bases are decorated with detailed Neoclassical foliate designs, such as acanthus leaves and laurel-wreath style borders. Unlike the organic curves of the earlier Louis XV or Rococo style, this design relies heavily on straight lines, clean borders, and rigid vertical patterns. Originally a full service for twelve, three have gone missing over the years leaving us a beautiful table service for ten :). Hallmarked French sterling silver handles, all with the French Minerve or Minerva designating .950 silver content (higher than the .925 standard for sterling silver). Silversmith marks for Henri-Louis Chenailler (Paris, c. mid 1800s). All with the original pre-stainless steel blades, all marked "Paris". A gorgeous set, great alongside other Classical or Empire patterns and sure to impress!
Very good condition. A few with pushes to the tips of the silver handles. Some age tarnish and/or corrosion to the steel blades. As noted, the set was originally a 2pc service for twelve, one of the larger pieces and two ones ones missing (leaving 21pc total so we're selling them as a set for ten). The box is in fine shape, some small missing patches of the black leather covering but intact and complete otherwise. See pictures for measurements.
