First Half 19th Century Cased Set of Twelve French Silver Gilt, Rose Gold & Carved Mother of Pearl Knives.

First Half 19th Century Cased Set of Twelve French Silver Gilt, Rose Gold & Carved Mother of Pearl Pastry Knives. Housed in a burgundy leather covered case with gilt wood  and green velvet interior. The knife blades are all silver gilt with gilt metal ferrules and gilt metal shell terminals. The handles are of carved mother of pearl with rose gold cartouches containing a monogram.

The marks on the blades indicate that the grade of silver for all twelve knives is 800/1000 and that they originate in Paris during the period 1819 - 1840. Nine knives have the maker's initials of LM and the Raphael mark. The LM mark is probably for Louis Manaut, active from 1829, although the pictorial element is different. Three knives have the mark of Charles Balaine of Paris who was active from 1829 to 1840. These three knives have the Minerve mark that was active from 1838 to 1973. It would appear that these knives all date  to the period of 1829 - 1840.

In excellent condition with light surface wear commensurate with age. The handles are all firmly fixed and the blades in good order. Some wear to the case exterior. This set is ready to use.

Approximate total cased weight is 564 grams.

Approximate case dimensions are 22 cm length, 11 cm width and 2.8 cm height.

Approximate knife dimensions are 20 cm length and 1.5 cm blade width.