Refined Antique Silver Salad Server Set by E Puiforcat~Sold~

A Refined Antique French Silver Salad Server Set or Serving Implements by Maître Orfèvre Emile PUIFORCAT
We chose this set because of the fact the tines and bowl were made of silver and not ivory or horn as was most commonly done.

The handles are delicately worked in a Louis XVI style on each side, with a ribbon bound Laurel wreath on the higher end, and a charming swan spreading his wings on the lower end, under a laurel leaf garland

The middle part of the handle is lightly fluted and links with the bowl and tines by a delicate duo of laurel branches attached with a ribbon on one side and a pine cone on the other.

All in all, a lovely piece!
They are in perfect condition! They come in their original presentation box by Aubert, a Jeweller in Nantes.The box is in mint condition!

The Hallmark is Minerve 1 -1st title – Hence 1838 to 1919 – Paris

The Makers Mark is for Emile PUIFORCAT, and was registered in 1857; it features an E and a P separated by a standing feather.
The mark is still so famous it does deserve a bit more explanations:
Emile PUIFORCAT inherited the business from his uncle Jean Baptiste FUCHS who specialized in flatware in the early 1800s. Emile Puiforcat moved from the offices of his uncle right next door at number 18, then 16 of Rue Chapon. While he died in 1883, his mark was kept by his successor as well as his grandson Jean, who passed away in 1945.
Until the 1880 the House of Puiforcat remained in the flatware business, but expended into the larger pieces to include presentations plates and platters.
Though very praised for its craftsmanship PUIFORCAT never participated in the Fairs that did so much for the Silver business in the 1800. The house continued on through the years and was finally bought by Hermes in 1993.

W: L 9.8"Reference number: SST-151