Antique French sterling silver 24 piece flatware set by prestigious silversmith Henin & Cie. Comprising of 12 luncheon or dessert forks and 12 spoons featuring Louis XVI style ribbon and reed handles embellished with acanthus. Tipped with elegant floral clusters tied with ribbon bows on a textured ground. The back of the handles decorated with musical instruments; a pair of horns and sheet music accented in foliage and ribbon. Further enhanced with a lovely rose motif at the back of the service ends.
Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, which guaranteed the finest quality French sterling silver of .950/1000 purity in use from 1838 (95% pure silver and a higher grade than the standard .925 for sterling). Bearing makers marks for Henin and Cie of 33 rue des Archives - Paris, active from May 11, 1875 to July 3, 1891. The sophistication of this design and quality of workmanship is typical of Maison Henin.
Overall a charming service for 12, in very good condition with general wear, tines are in good condition. Housed within a fitted presentation box retailed by Christofle; though the box houses the set well and protectively, it is likely not original and a later addition. Forks measure 7 1/2" length. Spoons measure 7 7/16" length. Total silver weight is 1223.01 grams. Box measures 9 7/8" x 8 1/4" x 2" height.
Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, which guaranteed the finest quality French sterling silver of .950/1000 purity in use from 1838 (95% pure silver and a higher grade than the standard .925 for sterling). Bearing makers marks for Henin and Cie of 33 rue des Archives - Paris, active from May 11, 1875 to July 3, 1891. The sophistication of this design and quality of workmanship is typical of Maison Henin.
Overall a charming service for 12, in very good condition with general wear, tines are in good condition. Housed within a fitted presentation box retailed by Christofle; though the box houses the set well and protectively, it is likely not original and a later addition. Forks measure 7 1/2" length. Spoons measure 7 7/16" length. Total silver weight is 1223.01 grams. Box measures 9 7/8" x 8 1/4" x 2" height.