The trim on this elegant ebony desk set is fine old French sterling silver vermeil (18k gold over sterling silver) and it is marked with the tiny punch marks that guarantee it to be .800/1000 pure silver. The blade is a work of art, deeply acid- engraved and in the Japonaise or Chinoise manner popular in the time of Napoleon and his Empire conquests of foreign lands. The monogram is shown, I'm not certain if I can accurately make it out for you, but I can tell you it has a Marquis crown, meaning this set originally was made for a Marquis. No one else would have been allowed to show this crown by French law. It's not a decorative touch, but a social designation of importance. And rather rare to find. The handles are ebony, I would say. And all that is missing is the one tip or nib, which can be easily bought in the size you want to use, at any art supply store. Superb set!
Very good to excellent condition on the actual writer's tools in this beautiful set, though the box is showing age and some deterioration on the interior and one hinge is unhinged. Still, it's the writer's tools that are of importance, and while always wonderful to find them in the original presentation box as you see them here, one might be inclined to pull that lid lining out and replace it with a fine creamy silk so it's prettier to display in box. The 3 writer's tools are all in fine condition. Elegantly crafted and well preserved. 117letter Measurements are noted on the photos.
