Fabulous Louis XV decoration on this assembled set of 6 table forks, 6 table spoons and six table knives. L'esprit rocaille is abundantly celebrated in this lush and richly conceived design. The spoons and forks are the identical pattern, made by different smiths. This is fairly common, to have more than one silversmith working on an order. The spoons and forks have the same monogram, so they were part of an original set. The knives are made by yet another smith; although in this case there are no monograms and I felt the patterns complimented each other so well, it made sense to offer them together. The three different grand silversmiths are all in the celestial ranks of most favored makers: the spoons made by Jean Grandvigne, the forks by Gaston Bardies and the knives by Ravinet d'Enfert. When one considers how many thousands of French silver smiths there have been over the past two centuries, then one can far better appreciate just how competitive the market is. And how much of a triumph it is indeed to make the top tier in the field, as all three of these smiths have. Indeed, both Grandvigne and Bardies were Tetard successors. So, this is a charming little set, all assembled in a nice box with room for six teaspoons. A great set to start with, or to use for more intimate settings.

Antique Silver
Antique Sterling Silver