Silver dessert cutlery with mother-of-pearl handles from the Victorian era.

Very charming antique cutlery known as 'fruit' or dessert cutlery. Delicate handles made of carved mother-of-pearl, with 'silver plated' hallmarks indicating silver-plated metal and English silversmith, knife blades and ferrules are silver-plated. From the Victorian/Art Nouveau period, late 19th century English. Condition shows signs of use and wear consistent with age, no cracks in the handles or missing pieces of mother-of-pearl, handles are sturdy, no play. Delicate and made of a noble and fragile material, they cannot withstand aggressive detergents or prolonged soaking, let alone the dishwasher; they should be dried immediately after washing to preserve them for a long time. Length = knives 21 cm, forks 18 cm. 2 sets available for 6 people, a total of 12.