Absolutely gorgeous & rare complete antique French hallmarked sterling silver 15pc serving utensil/flatware set and kept in the original, truly remarkable Napoleon III era burled storage and/or presentation chest, an expansive box with boulle style brass inlays! Can't tell if you like the box or the implements better? Well, with this one there's no decision to make since you get both! All pieces bear the French Minerva or Minerva hallmark, the tiny number "1" within those marks means they're in .950 silver (95% pure and above the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). The silversmith marks are most likely for Albert Hubert, Paris circa late 1800s. The set includes a large meat carving knife & fork wit gigot, 2pc salad serving fork & spoon, 4pc hors d'oeuvre or condiment service and four small escargot or salt spoons. Gorgeous pieces, gorgeous box...French sterling silver, wonderful condition...what more could one hope for?
Very good to excellent condition, age considered. Some slight dimpling to the sterling handles, likely slight surface scuffs possible. Darkening to the salad serving fork & spoon tines & bowl. The carving knife blade is in pre-stainless steel and does have some visible age tarnish and/or corrosion. The box is in great shape with just some splitting and loss to the veneer around the bottom/base panel (shown in pictures). Working lock & key. See images for all individual weights and measurements.
