Fish serving set - Silver

Pair of Portuguese-silvered fish serving utensils and gilt metal, with case - c. 1900.

Pair of fish-serving utensils, consisting of a four-toothed fork and a broad-bladed, cut and slightly curved knife.

Hollow handles in Portuguese silver, richly decorated in relief with flowers, scrolls, beading, oval reserves and sinuously vegetal motifs, in the Art Nouveau taste. Functional parts executed in gilt metal, probably brass or bronze.

They bear the Portuguese Javali mark, dating to the period 1887–1937, and a partially visible hallmarks, but not legible enough to allow a secure attribution. The mark and assay are compatible with Portuguese silver of the 2nd standard, approximately 833/1000.

Accompanied by a period case, probably original, lined with fabric printed with multicolored floral motifs. Interior lined with cream satin fabric and blue velvet, with metal clasps.

Origin: Portugal
Era: late 19th / early 20th century, c. 1900–1920
Style: Art Nouveau
Materials: Portuguese silver and gilt metal
Technique: molded, relief-engraved and chiselled silver; cast, cut and gilt metal
Case dimensions: 32 × 12 × 3 cm
Total gross weight of the utensils: 159.6 grams.

In good to fair condition, showing stains, patina and oxidation, as well as wear and darkening of the gilt on the functional parts. Handles with signs of use and dirt accumulated in the reliefs. Case with wear, stains, discoloration and aging of the inner and outer linings, preserving the clasps.

The stated weight is gross, including the gilt-metal parts and any filling of the handles, not corresponding to the net weight of the silver.