Description

Wonderful circa 1897, with post 1838 marks, French hallmarked solid silver 1st standard .950 fineness 87 piece complete canteen of thick gauged cutlery for 12 people, presented in two original solid oak fitted boxes. The canteen comprises 12 individual 7 piece place settings (see 2nd photo for example of one individual setting), plus 3 serving pieces (3rd photo).
The silver content is higher than .925 standard English sterling silver. Each piece was made and marked by Charles Murat. These were made for Masion Murat S.A., 62 Rue des Archives, Paris France, very good silversmiths and jewellers who exhibited at the US Centennial Exhibition in 1876.
The lovely pattern is one of a double struck scrolling ornamental grass design with shell accents. There is a tasteful script monogram to the reverse of each stem.
One fitted case comprises the large European dinner sized pieces including: 12 dinner forks (8.5 inches long), 12 dinner knives with original steel blades (10 inches long), 12 table spoons (8.5 inches long), 1 large serving spoon (10.25 inches long by 2.25 inches wide), and 1 large soup ladle (13 inches long by 3.5 inches wide). The second case comprises dessert, place or lunch sized pieces including: 12 dessert forks (7.5 inches long), 12 dessert/soup spoons (7.5 inches long), 12 dessert knives with original steel blades (8 inches long), 12 fruit knives with solid silver blades (8 inches long), and a master butter/cheese knife (7.5 inches long).
All the original pieces are present, and are contained in two original lined and fitted solid oak boxes having one functioning clasp to each box. The cases measure 17 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 2.5 inches high: and 15 inches wide by 15 inches deep by 3 inches high.
Weight of the silver is given without including any estimated weight for the 24 silver handled knives having steel blades. The balance of the 63 pieces of silver weighed equal 4185 grams of .950 silver, which converts to 9.23 actual pounds of weight, or 134.6 troy ounces of solid silver!
The pieces all are in very good condition, with a nice patina and slight usage marks. The steel bladed knives have the usual slight discoloration to the blades as expected. Can be professionally removed if desired.
This antique service is very unusual in the fact that it includes knives, and all with their original blades. Most antique services either have no knives, or have later modern replacements. In addition, this service also includes 12 solid silver bladed knives for fruit, as the acid would have damaged non-silver blades, another sign of excellent quality.
This is a lovely large and complete very good quality set of solid silver cutlery for 12 people, offered in very good condition, and at an excellent value, all original, complete and with cases.
Such large and complete services rarely appear on the market.
Please click on my personal website link in the top left column of this page, or go to www.serpentineantiques.co.uk to see additional items not listed on this site. If you would like additional photos, I am happy to provide them.
Inventory is located in different locations, so please email to verify availability. Thank you.
Internal Ref: 5321