Antique 19th century French sterling silver set of 12 knives. Featuring solid mother of pearl carved handled decorated with an elegant fluted motif, tipped with ornate silver ferrules and end caps. The sterling silver blade is complimented nicely by the lustrous pearl handles and rich decor of the silver ends. The knives are in overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with age and use. Hallmarked on the blades with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, which depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her to denote a silver content of 950/1000 (of 95% pure silver and a higher finesse than .925 sterling). Bearing maker's marks for silversmith Pierre-Auguste Chevalier, active 1840-1865, at 15 rue des Ménétriers, then 54 rue Quincampoix, Paris. The knives measure 7 7/8" length. Ideal for luncheon, entremet or dessert. Weighs 450.3 grams. Housed in the original presentation box with working lock and key. The box is of inlaid wood and brass stringing with red satin and velvet fitted interior, the lid trimmed with a carved gadroon border characteristic of the Charles X to Louis-Philippe era (1830s to 1840s). The box does show significant wear/lacks to the veneer as shown. Box measures 9" x 8 3/4" x 1 1/2" height.