SOLD Antique French Sterling Silver Service Set Decorated with Swans

Silver : Antique

 

A delicate set of antique French silver servers decorated with a gilt wash and swans. A beautiful way to serve hor d'oeuvres or dessert. The delicate set bears swans on the handles accented by bell flowers. The swan, much like the bee and laurel wreath were used by Napoleon as symbols. These symbols which are intertwined with mythology along with other symbols helped to link Napoleon to great civilizations of the past. He felt a connection to great empires of the past would raise his own standing both during his reign and in the future.

Measurements; 6-7” in length

The set of four rest in a presentation box. The handles are marked for .950 sterling silver and denoted by the Minerva 1st. Titre mark. The maker's mark is quite worn and has been difficult to capture clearly in pictures. Minor dimples and scratches in accordance with age and use. Overall the wash is in good antique condition with one small area of wear which is also shown in an enlarged picture. The gilt bowls and tines are not marked; however, I had the small worn area on the back of pierced flat server tested. It did test for silver content. The box locks and does a fine job of protecting the set; however the inside is best described as “tattered grace”

Item ID: 2090019