Salad servers (2) - Silver - 1850-1900

Ancient two-piece salad serving set – Minerva head hallmark on the silver – relief floral decoration and gilding – France, late 19th / early 20th century

Elegant old salad service consisting of two pieces: a large serving spoon and an openwork serving fork.

A particularly decorative ensemble, in Art Nouveau style with Louis XV influences, probably French and dating from around 1900.

The handles feature a rich raised floral decoration, consisting of flowers, foliage and long sinuous stems characteristic of Art Nouveau.

The intermediate sections, more dynamic, display scroll and foliage motifs with a gilded finish, creating an elegant contrast with the silver.

The bowls (cuillerons) are also adorned with a very beautiful engraved floral design, with gilded details.

A Minerva head hallmark is visible on the silver elements. Its condition and small size do not allow a definitive determination whether it is the first standard (950/1000) or the second standard (800/1000). The exact silver fineness is therefore intentionally not specified.

Fine quality of execution, with particularly meticulous work on the reliefs, engravings and floral motifs.

Overall good antique condition. Presence of a natural patina, signs of oxidation, small signs of use and wear to the gilding compatible with the age of the set. These traces have deliberately been preserved.

The numerous close-up photographs allow appreciating the décors, patina, condition and the hallmark, and are an integral part of the description.