SFAM - Table service for 12 (24) - Silverplated

Cutlery service of 24 pieces – SFAM – Louis XVI style – Silvered metal over white alloy – France, circa 1900–1930
Description
Ancient dining service comprised of 24 pieces including 12 forks and 12 spoons, presented in its original box. The cutlery is made of silvered metal on a white alloy base (maillechort), as indicated by the hallmark visible on the reverse of the pieces: “METAL ALLIAGES BLANC.”

The pieces also bear hallmarks indicating the amount of silver used for plating during the galvanoplastic process: “72 GR” for the forks and “84 GR” for the spoons.

A hallmark “SFAM” is also present on the cutlery, corresponding to the Société Française d’Alliages Métalliques, a French manufacturer specializing in the production of silvered metal cutlery in the early 20th century.
Manufacturer
Société Française d’Alliages Métalliques (SFAM)
France – production estimated between the late 19th century and the early 20th century.

Retailer
The box bears the inscription:
Leo Sollier
8 rue Victor Massé
Lorient

This is presumably the retailer who marketed this service.
Style
Louis XVI style model with a decoration of crossed torches, garlands and finely chased floral motifs on the handles.

Contents
• 12 dinner forks
• 12 dinner spoons
• Original box

Dimensions
Forks: length 21.5 cm – maximum width 2.7 cm – weight about 70 g each.
Spoons: length 21.5 cm – maximum width 4.3 cm – weight about 84 g each.

Box dimensions
Length: 23.5 cm
Width: 15.5 cm
Thickness: 5.5 cm

Total weight of the set with box: about 2.14 kg.

Condition
Good overall condition for an antique set. Presence of minor usage fine scratches and a light patina of the silvered metal. Wear visible on the exterior coating of the box.
Period
France – circa 1900 to 1930.