Silverware in chest
12 August 2020
Description

Belonged to my mother, who was french, born in the 1920's. I can't say for sure, but she may have inherited it from her mother, who lived in the town of Bayonne in France. My mom passed in the early 80's and I have been holding on to it since my father passed in the 90's. We are moving out of state (downsizing) and I simply don't have room for this any more so would like to find out what it is and what it is worth and get it sold. 3 levels of silverware in heavy/sturdy wooden chest. All items heavily tarnished. Pretty sure the knives are silverplate at best since they are very light and I can see "stainless" stamped on the blades. Forks/spoons much heavier and they do have some small circular marks stamped on them, which I could not identify. There is a crest on the chest and same crest on most of the individual items. It is a complete set except for one of the small silver "bowls" on the top level is missing. Pics attached.

Provenance

See details in description block, but was my mother's and it is possible she inherited it from her mother. Am guessing it is from France.

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Maybe
Answered within 1 day
By Sabrina Vinther
Aug 13, 18:54 UTC
Fair Market Value
$1,000 - $1,500 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

It is a beautiful flatware silver set. Such flatware silver sets in original boxes are being offered at auction occasionally.
It is a beautiful set dating from the late 1800s or early 1900s. It is however not French but Austrian. The silver marks are giveaways. And besides that French silver marks are usually found on the front/surface on silver flatware. I am afraid that I cannot determine the maker nor the city where the silver flatware was made.
The knives however have silver handles and steel blades. The salad set appears to have fruitwood ends and silver handles.
The flatware set comprises of 60-70 pieces with silver handles. The fact that the original box is intact adds to the value of the set. I cannot see if any monograms or initials has been engraved on the handles - if this is the case it will decrease the value. The decoration on the handles is quite beautiful and adds a nice touch to the flatware.

I believe that this set would attract the attention of both collectors and dealers if it came up for auction. The price may increase if the maker is found.
The estimate provided is for a well-advertised specialised online silver auction, where I believe the silver flatware has the best chance of realising its fullest potential. However, there is no measurement for the sentimental value you might attach to your mothers silverware. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and vary.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I’m happy to help.
Thank you

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