Absolutely fabulous antique French hallmarked .800, or almost sterling, silver 18pc entremet (dessert) or fruit sized table knife set, gorgeous with solid silver blades & collars and carved handles with incised & enamel filled "RT" or "TR" monograms! Elegant and a full set of eighteen! Beautiful knives really, the blades have a unique shape to them and the solid carved handles add both style and opulence. All blades bear the French Minerve or Minerva hallmark, the tiny number "2" within those marks means that they are in at least .800 silver (80% pure so just under the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). The slightly lower silver content gives the silver extra strength and was quite common in knife blades. Silversmith marks are for Charles Guerre, circa 1860-70s. In 1855, following the first Universal Exposition in Paris, silversmith Jean-Baptiste Guerre was knighted in the Imperial Order of the Legion of Honor and from that time on he included the cross of the Legion of Honour & imperial crown along with his maker marks. Guerre's son Charles took over the exhibitions of 1862, 1867 & 1872 and ultimately the business. A lovely, comprehensive set....enjoy!
Very good condition. The only flaws are a few age or drying splits in the carved handles. No chips or other damage to note. The blades are all in great shape with no dents, bends and no damage or repairs. See pictures for weights and measurements.
