Rare Antique Silver Citrus Service Set By Claire~Sold~

Rare Antique French Silver Citrus Service Set by ‘Maître Orfèvre’ Auguste CLAIRE

Extremely rare to be found as illustrated in David Allan’s book on 19th Century French Silver Cutlery, Page 149, this is the first one we have ever come across!
Fittingly we found it in Cannes close to an area well known for its citruses, the city of Menton.

This kind of Set was mostly used for eating Grapefruits, and was part of the incredible implements that were invented during the 19th century by the French Master silversmiths.

This charming set has a serrated knife with a pointed blade perfect for cutting through a grapefruit skin.
The spoon with a very particular slanted edge, is perfect for scooping the grapefruit wedges.
And finally the Sugar Sifter Spoon, finely cut out, which allows the sprinkling of sugar on the cut fruit before savouring it.
The set is decorated in the Renaissance Style with delicate flower garlands and ribbons design on the handles.

The knife measures: 7.67 inches
The pointed Spoon is 6.37 inches
The Sifter spoons stands at 5.62 inches

All pieces are in great state! No marks or losses to the silver. The work on them is lovely!
A truly rare piece – for the discerning collector!

They come in their original fitted box which is in good condition.

The Hallmark is Minerva 1-1st title (950/1000)- 1838 -1919– Paris

The Makers Mark is for Auguste CLAIRE, and was registered in 1857.
The Mark shows the two initials separated by a Bugle with a star above and underneath.
It was registered on April 9th 1895.
His workshop was located at 20 Rue Chapon in Paris.

Reference number: SST-204