Antique c1875 French 950 Sterling Silver Fish Fork Pierced Knife Serving Set

Description

Presented is a fabulous quality French silver fish set by Charles-Alfred Coignet. This set dates to the 1870s-1880s. The set is made from French first standard silver, which is 950 purity. It is worthwhile to note that this is actually a higher purity than sterling, which is 925. The blade of the knife and the tines of the fork are beautifully hand engraved with ornate foliate designs. The blade of the knife has wonderful cut out work, in the same motif. The handles are nicely cast with raised beading around the top and bottom, and lovely hand engraving on the shaft. Both pieces have a monogram of 'BC' in Gothic script, beneath a seven pointed crown. This is a fantastic set, very sturdy and well made, obviously very high end work.
The fish set is in great condition. The details of the engraving are sharp and crisp. There are no separations between the handles and the blade/tines. There are no splits, no dents, no monogram removals, no breaks, and no repairs.
The knife and fork are hallmarked with the maker's mark for Charles-Alfred Coignet, who was active between 1865-1889. The knife and fork are also hallmarked with both the Minerva head stamp for 950 silver purity and the Mercury head stamp for exported pieces of 950 purity silver. The Minerva head stamp is also on the collar of the handle of both pieces.
The knife is about 12 3/4 inches long. The fork is about 11 inches long.
The set weighs 413 grams total. Considering the filled handles, not all of this weight is sterling silver.
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