Boucilier & Paris - Cutlery set (4) - .800 silver

A four-piece French gilt silver serving set made by Bouclier & Paris in Paris, circa 1880.
The set consists of four specialised serving utensils: a small fork for cold meats, a butter server, an olive spoon and an openwork server for hors d'oeuvres.
The pieces are made entirely of 800/1000 silver and were originally gilt, as confirmed by the accompanying professional documentation. The gilding is now partially worn, revealing the silver surface beneath in several areas, which is consistent with the age and use of the set.
The utensils were produced by casting and subsequently hand-finished with repoussé and engraved decoration. The irregular, slightly flared handles are bordered by profiled bands and richly decorated with acanthus leaves, double scrolls, rocaille motifs and stylised foliage.
The upper part of each handle forms an asymmetrical Neo-Rococo cartouche containing an intertwined AE monogram. The serving ends are additionally decorated with engraved floral and foliate motifs.
Each piece bears the French Minerva second-standard hallmark for 800/1000 silver and the lozenge-shaped B&P maker's mark of Bouclier & Paris, a Parisian workshop operating in the 1880s.
The set comes from a private family collection and has been preserved in its original fitted period case. The dark-blue case is covered with embossed paper imitating reptile skin, decorated with a gilt double border and fitted with a brass clasp. The interior is lined with beige fabric.
Material: gilt 800/1000 silver.
Total silver weight: 74 g.
Dimensions: fork 15.5 cm; openwork serving pieces approx. 15.5 cm; butter server 16 cm.
Condition: very good antique condition. The silver shows normal age-related wear and patination, with partial wear to the original gilding. The original fitted case shows visible age-related wear and staining to the interior lining.
The set is accompanied by professional documentation concerning its maker, dating, silver standard, gilding and condition.