Here today for your consideration we have this very good antique solid 800-grade silver partial cutlery service, made by Büchler of Basel (Switzerland), c-1900. This flatware in this large canteen has been produced in a muted trefoil design and comprises the following pieces:
24 x soup spoons - 22cm length
23 x dinner forks - 22cm length
24 x dinner knives - 25cm length
6 x serving spoons - 24.5cm length
6 x serving forks - 24.5cm length
2 x basting spoons - 26cm length
1 x large soup ladle - 33cm length
1 x carving knife - 29.5cm length
1 x carving fork - 28cm length
With the exception of the knives and carving fork, all pieces are identical in design, quality and hallmark. The knife blades and carving fork have been made by the French firm of Cardeilhac, who were among the finest knife makers of the age.
Condition is reasonable good throughout, with the tines being free from serious wear and only a handful of spoons with a few minor depressions to the bowls. The knife handles are made from exactly what they look like, and have some fractures and staining throughout. One dinner knife has a partial blade only, and one dinner fork is missing. Most knife blades have some surface rust, but they are overall still very sharp. The ladle has a depression to the corner of the bowl, as per photos. The set was likely a custom commission for the family or organisation, as the very detailed crest/coat of arms is raised to the verso. The canteen is complete, but quite shabby with one clasp needing attention and a fair amount of wear to the exterior textured paper.
Although not without fault or entirely complete, this is still a very fine and large solid silver cutlery set perfect for the entertainer or large family.
The solid silver elements of this canteen have an exceptional combined weight of 4,867gms (156.5tr.oz), with the weight including the knives being 6,400gms (206tr.oz). The weight of the full canteen exceeds 10kgs.
