Fantastic and rare antique French 24pc 8" entremet and/or dessert knife set, ornate carved ivory handles with incised armorial medallions, Cardeilhac marked blades and all in wonderful condition! Ernest Cardeilhac, Paris, silversmith marks on both the steel and sterling bladed knives, the hallmarks date the set between 1851 and 1904 though we're certain they fall close to the former. Magnificent and RARE to find, a complete 24 piece set, rather a 2pc setting for twelve in the steel and sterling blades. All handles and acanthus ferules or collars are original and matching. All with that superb old engraved or incised & enamel filled armorial medallion consisting of a royal crown topped suit of armor or helmet and shield shaped heraldry. Steel blades all marked 'Cardeilhac' with crown, the sterling blades all bear the French Mercure or Mercury hallmark, 1st tier designating .950 silver content (higher than the .925 standard for sterling silver). The tiny hare head hallmark tells us that the set left France at some point and was re-imported after 1887. A magnificent set, complete and in great shape....don't miss them!
Very good-excellent condition. Some darkened spots and minor age or drying splits in the ivory here & there but no real damage or repairs. All blades are original and in fine shape with some tarnish, a very slight bend or two but no chips, breaks or repairs there either. See pictures for measurements.
