Direct from Paris, A Superb 164-Piece Sterling Silver Flatware Set, with 8 Serving Pieces and individual Anti-Tarnish storage chests by Internationally Known French Silversmith, Charles Victor Gibert. circa 1895. French silversmithing has long been revered for its exquisite craftsmanship and intricate designs, embodying the epitome of luxury and elegance. Among the illustrious names in this esteemed tradition stands Charles Victor Gibert, a master silversmith whose works have left an indelible mark on the history of decorative arts. He was born in Paris in 1810, into a family with a rich heritage in the silversmithing trade, and from a young age displayed a natural affinity for metalwork and design, honing his skills under the tutelage of his father, who was also a renowned silversmith.
Gibert's mastery of his craft did not go unnoticed, garnering him numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. In 1855, he received the prestigious Legion of Honor, a testament to his contribution to the decorative arts and his exemplary craftsmanship. Additionally, Gibert's work was showcased at international exhibitions, where it garnered widespread acclaim and admiration. One of the highlights of Gibert's career came in 1867 when he was awarded a gold medal at the Exposition Universelle in Paris, further solidifying his status as a master silversmith of international renown. His innovative designs and meticulous attention to detail set him apart from his contemporaries, earning him admiration and respect from collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Gibert's exceptional skill and artistic vision soon caught the attention of the French aristocracy, leading to a patronage that would significantly impact his career. Among his most notable patrons was Emperor Napoleon III, who commissioned Gibert to create exquisite silverware for the imperial court. Gibert's creations adorned the tables of the Tuileries Palace and became synonymous with the opulence and grandeur of the Second Empire. His designs, characterized by intricate motifs and lavish ornamentation, epitomized the luxury and refinement synonymous with the French monarchy. From elaborate candelabras to intricately crafted tea sets, Gibert's creations captured the imagination of the elite, cementing his reputation as one of the preeminent silversmiths of his time.
Charles Victor Gibert's legacy as a master silversmith is a testament to the enduring allure of French decorative arts. Through his unparalleled skill, artistic vision, and royal patronage, Gibert helped to define the aesthetic sensibility of his era, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be celebrated for its beauty and craftsmanship. As we reflect on Gibert's contributions to the world of silversmithing, we are reminded of the transformative power of art to elevate the everyday into the extraordinary, enriching our lives with beauty, elegance, and a sense of timeless sophistication.
This set is in excellent condition and is of very high quality. Each piece bears the hallmark of Master French Silversmith "Charles Victor Gibert" in addition to the French Government's Head of the Minerva - 1 Hallmark, certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver. There are no monograms on any of the pieces, except for the Family Crest of the noble family who commissioned the set - it is engraved on each piece. This set is of exceptional quality and craftsmanship (check the weights and measures below) and would be comparable to a Puiforcat set in quality. It includes the following - all weights and measures approximate:
24 Dinner Knives 25.50 cm. 81 grams
24 Dinner Forks 21.00 cm. 95 grams
24 Table Spoons 21.70 cm. 90 grams
24 Luncheon / Dessert Knives with Sterling Silver Blades 20.50 cm. 53 grams
24 Luncheon / Dessert Forks 18.20 cm. 59 grams
24 Luncheon / Dessert Spoons 18.70 cm. 57 grams
12 Tea / Coffee Spoons 14.90 cm. 27 grams
2 Large Sauce Serving Spoons 24.80 cm. 135 grams
1 Large Asparagus Server 28.50 cm. 295 grams
1 Large Berry Serving Spoon 20.20 cm. 82 grams
1 Small Dessert Serving Fork 18.80 cm. 62 grams
1 Small Dessert Serving Knife with Sterling Silver Blade 20.20 cm. 67 grams
2 Large Serving Spoons 20.90 cm. 83 grams
Individual Anti-Tarnish Chests
