Fish serving set (3) - .950 silver - Minerva in the octagon

Elegant fish-serving set composed of a knife and fork, entirely made of French silver of the finest purity (950 thousandths), verified by the official Minerva head hallmark inscribed in an octagon, a state guarantee mark for silver pieces of the highest quality. The purity of the blades has also been confirmed by an acid test.

The blades feature exquisite cutwork and engraving with naturalistic floral motifs — lilies, sinuous stems, and leaves — characteristic of the early Art Nouveau style that flourished in France during the last decades of the 19th century. The fork presents an elegant ajouré (pierced) design that showcases the master silversmith's skill in cutting and chiseling the vegetal motifs. The knife, in turn, displays a fine engraving with an asymmetrical floral composition, faithful to the organic spirit of the movement.

The handles, also in solid silver 950 ‰, are decorated with cartouches, floral garlands, and neoclassical-inspired mouldings that harmoniously dialogue with the naturalism of the blades, reflecting that transitional stylistic period highly valued by collectors. Both handles have an inner metallic core to add weight and balance in the hand, a common practice in high-quality French silversmithing of the era.

The master silversmith's punch is visible inside a diamond, in accordance with 19th-century French regulations, though its precise identification could not be determined.

The set is presented in its original period case, lined with white fabric on the interior, with a brown textured leather exterior and a bronze clasp, in a condition consistent with its age.

Specifications:

Period: second half of the 19th century (circa 1880–1900)
Style: Early Art Nouveau
Material: French solid silver 950 ‰ (1st titre)
Guarantee punch: Minerva in octagon
Silversmith’s punch: visible in a diamond (not identified)
Serving knife: 27 cm long — 114 g
Serving fork: 25 cm long — 118 g
Both pieces with inner metal core in the handles
Original case: 34 × 16 × 4 cm
Condition: generally good state of conservation, natural patina in keeping with age, case showing wear consistent with use and time

A collectible piece that combines the nobility of French silver of maximum purity with the beauty of Art Nouveau in its most refined expression. Ideal for the collector of French metalwork as well as anyone wishing to add a touch of historical distinction to their table.