Serpentine Antiques has dated this piece to the Victorian era.
There is a blank cartouche suitable for engraving on both sides. They are marked .950 fine, a higher standard than English sterling. The blades are silver plate, and beautifully pierced, with a leafy heel, and sharply points and barbed tines.
Size-fork-10.25 inches long by 2.5 inches wide; knife-11.75 inches long by 1 7/8 inches wide. Case overall-13 inches long by 6 inches wide by 1.75 inches high.
Weight-215 grams servers, and 535 grams with case.
These were from the estate of Sylvaine le Desert. She was the daughter of famous Parisian journalist Jacques le Desert and the granddaughter of the newspaper proprietor and minister, Alexandre Israel. These came from the Paris property of her grandfather, now named Place de Alexandre Israel.
Sylvanie survived occupied France by posing as a village girl. She worked the land, and became a member of the French resistance. She lived in Surrey, England for many years, until her death in 2009.
Although still used for their original purpose, they are also useful for serving cake and other desserts today.
A lovely set in very good condition.
Serpentine Antiques has dated this piece to the Victorian era.
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Victorian French Solid Silver Handled Pierced Design Pair of Fish Servers Fitted Into the Original Case, and Having Interesting Provenance.
