Antique dessert service 12 knives & 12 forks in brass and wood

Large and elegant antique dessert or cheese service comprising 12 knives and 12 forks, preserved in its original case lined and padded with yellow fabric. The inside of the lid bears the inscription: "À l’Étoile d’Or – P. Pouget – St Malo", identifying a retailer of tableware and cutlery active in Saint-Malo in the late 19th or early 20th century. The set is distinguished by its beautiful homogeneity and traditional craftsmanship: Blades in gilded steel for the knives. Mounts and metal parts in brass (forks, ferrules, collars, tips) Handles in riveted rosewood on a brass structure. Antique case lined with a compartmentalised textile interior. This type of service, robust and elegant, was intended for bourgeois tables for serving cheese or desserts. It perfectly evokes the French art of the table from the Belle Époque. Characteristics. Dating: Late 19th – early 20th century, circa 1890-1910. Contents: 12 dessert/cheese knives measuring 15.6 cm in length and 12 matching forks measuring 15.0 cm in length. Original case measuring 38.0 cm long by 17.0 cm wide and 3.8 cm high. Total weight of 942 grams. Condition: Good antique condition with normal usage patina, with slight marks and wear on certain knives. Case showing slight scuffs and signs of age related to its time. Complete, coherent set ready for use. Perfect for: Characterful table. Kitchen or dining room decoration. Collection of antique tableware. French bistro or family home ambiance. An authentic, decorative, and functional item, difficult to find complete with its original case.