Antique Belle Epoque era French sterling silver set of 18 knives. Featuring elegant handles carved from solid mother of pearl, topped by ornate silver ferrules decorated with flowers and scrolling foliate. The sterling silver blade is complimented nicely by the lustrous and rich nacre of the solid pearl handles. A charming engraved detail adorns the blades of grape clusters and leaves on a curling vine. The blades are hallmarked for .950 silver and complimented nicely by the lustrous and rich nacres of the pearl handles. Hallmarked 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 Louis Legrand, active 1905-1928 at 50 rue Charlot, Paris. The knives measure 7 5/8" length. Weighs 607.7 grams. In overall good antique condition with general wear and surface scratches commensurate with use and age. Housed in the original presentation box, showing wear and age. Box measures 8 1/2" x 7 1/4".5