Wonderful antique French PUIFORCAT sterling silver single service christening flatware set, "coquille" or seashell pattern with "Arnauld" inscribed handles and original fitted storage and/or presentation box! A lovely 4pc place setting for one, surely meant as a christening gift though the pieces themselves are more of a luncheon size than that meant for a child. The handles all have the seashell or "coquille" pattern, beautifully engraved with the "Arnauld" dedication. All pieces bear the French Minerve or Minerva hallmark, the tiny number "1" within those marks means they're in .950 silver (95% pure and higher than the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). The silversmith marks are for the world renowned House of PUIFORCAT (Emile Puiforcat, "EP", Paris from 1857), now owned by Hermes, Paris and known throughout their history for only the finest of the fine, makers to royalty.
Good to very good condition. There is some dimpling to the knife handle and it appears the original steel blade has been sharpened down to an imperfect shape but still usable. One of the fork tines is slightly shorter than the others. The box is in fine shape, a burgundy or cordovan leatherette with gilt embossed decoration and a gold stamp on the inside of the lid that reads "M Martin Joaillerie, Rue Halevy 8, Paris". See pictures for all measurements.
