Antique French 22pc Dinner Knife Set, Pistol Grip Horn & Silver
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Antique French 22pc Dinner Knife Set, Pistol Grip Horn & Silver
About the Item
Very good condition. The boxes are matching, in maroon leatherette with gilt embossed accenting. The knives are all in fine shape. As noted, there are only ten of the larger knives, one of those is actually a near match replacement. All twelve smaller knives are intact and free of any damage or defect. Some visible tarnish and/or corrosion on the steel blades. See pictures for all measurements.
A traditional wedding gift, these magnificent French sterling silver flatware sets were almost always packaged without knives. Why is this? Another French tradition has to do with the gift of knives or a knife as a symbol of the cutting or ending of a relationship. And no where on earth is tradition more important, perhaps, than to the French culture. So, in light of the symbolism of the gift, knives were not part of a wedding gift, not packaged or even usually made with the matching pattern of the forks, spoons in a set, and are something added later and as compliments to the table's sterling silver choice. And ever the center influence in fashion, this also opportuned the happy result of knives made in coordinating and complimenting fashion with handles of rich elegant mother of pearl, fine ivory, blond natural horn, or exotic hardwoods like ebony (a French Empire 'must') walnut, rosewood. The result is that you can add sets of knives to compliment and define your table setting.
More about knives: Louis XIV, A rennaisance man if ever there were one, The Sun King - builder of Versailles, was also the man responsible for the design of the modern table knife. Prior to his time, knives used at table were similar to knives used to kill game, fight wars, and possibly kill Kings. There was a time when knives were even banned from table for such intrigues, and it was Louis XIV's table upon which the blunt and rounded tip knives for dining were introduced to the world at large. A side note: With the massive size of the dinner fork and spoon in French sterling, one need not look to the knife as a weapon - as one of my customers once suggested, and I paraphrase here here: These things are heavy enough to kill a guest if thrown. She is correct - they weigh in nearly double the large tablespoon of, say, the equivalent set made in America by Gorham or Whiting - "Lily", which tablespoon is more closely in line size and weight-wise with the entremet spoon in French flatware.
- Metal:
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1850-1900
- Condition:Boxes show age, 12 smaller knives in set, only 10 of the large table knives. Some light visible tarnish on steel blades, light for age and type.
- Seller Location:San Marcos, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: 710couts1stDibs: JU11110122771
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