ANTIQUE FRENCH STERLING SILVER 24pc FLATWARE SET, BOXED If you like what you see, be sure to click here to add us to your Favorite Ebay Seller's List. We'll be sending out sale notices and special deals to our 'Favorites' customers. Elegant antique French Napoleon III era 24pc sterling silver flatware set, a full setting for twelve in large dinner sized 8.5" forks & spoons and a matching serving ladle (25th piece) in a fabulous red tooled & gilt embossed leather fitted chest! A gorgeous set, an acanthus motif pattern in thick, heavy old French silver! The back sides with an elegant interlaced 'BB' monogram, matching that of the bronze handle mount on the chest so we know everything here is original. The best in the world, all hallmarked with the French Minerve or Minerva, 1st titre designating the highest silver content (.950, greater than the .925 standard for sterling silver) and silversmith marks for F. NICOUD (Lavallee succ. c. mid-late 1800s, 157 rue du Temple, Paris). Forks and spoons are 'grande' or extra large, weighing 90 grams each. Total weight of the silver in this set is 71.4 troy ounces or 2221 grams - very heavy! With the chest, approximately 4000 grams total weight. Typical with the French, whose custom dictates that the giving of knives is a gesture symbolic of the ending or 'cutting' of a relationship, knives were almost always packaged and sold separately and most often had complimenting handles of ivory, ebony, horn or even mother of pearl, rather than being exact matches to the 'couvert' or fork/spoon at table. Silver is a traditional wedding gift in France, so you can see why knives are not included based on both customs. A rare comprehensive set, in the hard to find larger dinner sizes and all in wonderful condition, don't miss them! Very good condition. No damage or repairs to any of the silver, a beautiful glossy finish with just some extremely light surface scuffing (indicative of very light use, easily buffed out). The chest is in remarkable shape, all things considered, with the original clasps. See pictures for weights and measurements. Image & Text Hosting by Ruby Lane Return Policy: We always honor a 3-day return on our items, and guarantee them to be as described. Money back, less shipping costs, which are not refundable, so ask questions if necessary. We're easy to deal with. Shipping and Handling Policy: Our shipping days are Tuesday and Friday, paid items will be shipped on the first shipping day after payment is recieved (except when special circumstances exist). We prefer to use USPS whenever possible, and require all packages to be insured. If you prefer another method of shipment, please mention it. We charge only actual expense of shipment/insurance, except in the case of larger items which must have special wood crates built. Wood crate charge, when applicable, is a flat $30.00 in addition to actual postage & insurance charges. Other Information: 7.75% sales tax applicable for shipments/sales within the state of California, no exceptions. If you are within CA and are a dealer buying for resale, you must provide us your active resale certificate # and acknowledgment of intent to resell or we will have to collect sales tax. No exceptions. Auction Payment Methods: We accept:: PayPal Visa/MC: our shop is a Verified Business account, BidPay.com (Visa, MC, Discover). Credit card payment by online service only, no direct processing. Personal Check, Money Order, See 'Other Information'.