Direct from Paris: A stunning 273pc. (service for 18), privately commissioned Napoleon III sterling silver flatware set with rare Mother-of-Pearl handled knives, original 5 drawer lockable storage chest and 25 amazing serving pieces by two of France’s premier silversmiths "Bloch & Eschwege" silversmiths to the French elite, in superb condition and no with monograms on any of the pieces - circa 1880s. The 19th century was a golden age for French decorative arts, particularly in the realm of fine silverware, where technical skill and artistic vision converged to produce objects of enduring beauty and functionality. Among the most celebrated silversmithing firms of this era was Bloch & Eschwege, a Parisian Maison that distinguished itself through unparalleled craftsmanship, innovative design, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Specializing in luxury flatware, the firm became synonymous with opulent dining culture, crafting pieces that adorned the tables of European royalty, aristocracy, and the nouveaux riches of the Industrial Age. Their most iconic creations - 950 sterling silver flatware sets with mother-of-pearl handled knives - remain highly coveted by collectors today, not only for their aesthetic brilliance but also for their representation of a bygone era when even everyday objects were elevated to the status of art.
The Early Years: Bloch & Eschwege emerged during a period of immense cultural and economic transformation in France. The mid-19th century saw the rise of a prosperous bourgeoisie eager to emulate aristocratic lifestyles, fueling demand for luxury goods that projected refinement and status. Against this backdrop, the firm established itself as a premier silversmith, catering to an elite clientele that valued both tradition and innovation.
The exact founding date of Bloch & Eschwege remains uncertain, but archival records suggest the firm was active by the 1840s, operating from prestigious workshops in Paris, the epicenter of European luxury craftsmanship. Unlike mass-producing manufacturers that began to emerge during the Industrial Revolution, Bloch & Eschwege adhered to traditional handcrafting techniques, ensuring that each piece bore the mark of meticulous artistry. Their artisans, many of whom trained under the guild system that had governed French metalworking for centuries, possessed an intimate understanding of metallurgy, engraving, and chasing, skills that were passed down through generations.
In addition to their flatware, Bloch & Eschwege produced an array of silver objets de vertu, including tea and coffee services, candelabras, and presentation pieces. However, it was their flatware - particularly their knives with handles fashioned from iridescent Mother-of-Pearl - that became their most enduring legacy. These knives were not mere cutlery but miniature sculptures, blending the organic beauty of seashell with the radiant sheen of precious metal.
Uncompromising Craftsmanship: The production of a single Bloch & Eschwege flatware set was a labor-intensive process that could take months, if not years, to complete. Each piece was first cast from molten silver, then painstakingly shaped, filed, and polished by hand. The firm employed a division of labor, with specialists dedicated to specific tasks - some focused on forging, others on engraving, and still others on final assembly. This collaborative approach ensured that every element, from the curve of a spoon bowl to the intricate scrollwork on a fork handle, was executed to perfection.
The 950-silver used by Bloch & Eschwege had a distinct warmth and depth of shine that set it apart from lower-grade alloys. Unlike the slightly cooler tone of 925 silver, which could appear stark under certain lighting, 950 silver possessed a subtle golden undertone that enhanced its richness. This quality was particularly evident in the firm’s flatware, where broad, polished surfaces reflected candlelight in a manner that elevated the dining experience to a theatrical spectacle.
The User of Mother-of-Pearl: Mother-or-Pearl, the other hallmark of Bloch & Eschwege’s flatware, was sourced from the inner linings of tropical mollusks, primarily the Pinctada maxima oyster. The selection process was exacting, with artisans seeking shells that exhibited uniform iridescence, free from blemishes or clouding. Once cut and shaped, the mother-of-pearl was polished to a mirror-like finish, its natural play of color shifting from pale pink to deep blue depending on the angle of light. The handles were then affixed to blades of high-carbon steel, renowned for their sharpness and durability. A silver ferrule, often embellished with engraved patterns, served as both a decorative and functional element, securing the blade to the handle while adding an extra touch of luxury.
The decorative motifs employed by Bloch & Eschwege reflected the prevailing tastes of 19th-century Europe, which vacillated between the exuberance of Rococo Revival and the restrained elegance of Neoclassicism. Floral and foliate designs were particularly prevalent, with roses, laurel leaves, and vine tendrils appearing in delicate engraving or repoussé work. Some sets featured more elaborate themes, such as mythological scenes or hunting motifs, tailored to the interests of their aristocratic patrons. Monogramming was another common customization, with clients’ initials or family crests engraved in ornate scripts that showcased the firm’s calligraphic prowess.
Serving European Royalty: The patronage of European royalty was a defining factor in Bloch & Eschwege’s ascent to prominence. In an era where dining rituals were laden with symbolism, the choice of silverware was a potent indicator of status, and no household with pretensions to grandeur would settle for anything less than the finest. The firm’s association with the French imperial court under Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie was particularly significant. The Second Empire, with its emphasis on opulence and display, provided an ideal market for Bloch & Eschwege’s creations, which were frequently used in state banquets and diplomatic receptions.
Beyond France, the firm’s clientele included Russian grand dukes, British landed gentry, and the newly minted industrial magnates of America’s Gilded Age. The transatlantic trade in luxury goods flourished during this period, and Bloch & Eschwege’s pieces were among the most coveted imports. Wealthy American families, eager to assert their social standing, commissioned full dinner services that often became family heirlooms, passed down through generations. Diplomatic gifting further amplified the firm’s prestige. Silver services by Bloch & Eschwege were presented as tokens of statecraft, their intrinsic value matched by their symbolic weight. A dinner service gifted by one monarch to another was not merely a functional object but a statement of alliance and mutual respect. The firm’s ability to meet the exacting standards of such commissions - delivering pieces that were flawless in both craftsmanship and design - cemented their reputation as silversmiths of the highest order.
Gold Medal Winner: The 19th century’s World Expositions were the ultimate proving grounds for artisans and industrialists alike, offering a global stage to showcase innovation and skill. Bloch & Eschwege’s participation in these events was instrumental in securing their international renown. The Great Exhibition of 1851, held in London’s Crystal Palace, was the first opportunity for the firm to present their work to a worldwide audience. Though they did not take top honors, their display of sterling silver flatware and tea services drew considerable attention, with critics noting the precision of their engraving and the richness of their 950-silver. The exposition also provided valuable exposure to potential clients beyond France, particularly in England and its colonies.
The Exposition Universelle of 1855 in Paris marked a turning point. Here, Bloch & Eschwege were awarded a Silver Medal for their flatware, with special commendation for their Mother-of-Pearl handled knives. The jury’s report highlighted the “exceptional purity of materials” and the “harmonious blending of organic and metallic elements,” accolades that underscored the firm’s artistic vision. By the time of the 1867 Paris Exposition, Bloch & Eschwege had refined their techniques to near-perfection. Their exhibition piece - a full dinner service featuring intricately chased borders and hand-pierced details - earned them a Gold Medal, the highest honor. This triumph was a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence and their ability to adapt to evolving aesthetic trends without sacrificing traditional craftsmanship.
The Legacy of Bloch & Eschwege: Though the firm ceased operations by the late 19th century, their work endures as a benchmark of silversmithing artistry. Auction houses regularly feature Bloch & Eschwege pieces, with complete flatware sets commanding prices well into six figures. Museums, including the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, hold examples of their work, preserving them for future generations. Contemporary silversmiths and luxury brands continue to draw inspiration from Bloch & Eschwege’s designs, particularly their integration of natural materials like Mother-of-Pearl. Their legacy is not merely one of technical mastery but of a philosophy that elevated everyday objects to the realm of art.
Bloch & Eschwege’s contributions to 19th-century silversmithing represent the pinnacle of a tradition that valued beauty, durability, and precision above all else. Their 950 sterling silver flatware sets, with their luminous Mother-of-Pearl handles, are more than relics of a bygone era - they are enduring symbols of a time when craftsmanship was synonymous with artistry. Through royal patronage, international acclaim, and an unwavering commitment to quality, the firm secured its place in history, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Set Specifications: This set is in extraordinarily good condition. Each sterling piece bears the hallmark of Master French Silversmith "Bloch & Eschwege" in addition to the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver. The sterling silver knife blades are by Charles Marseille. This set is of exceptional quality and craftsmanship - check the weights and measures below, all weights and measures approximate:
18 Dinner Knives - Mother of Pearl Handles 24.70 cm. 48 grams
18 Dinner Forks 21.50 cm. 82 grams
18 Tablespoons 21.50 cm. 88 grams
18 Luncheon Knives - Mother of Pearl Handles 20.20 cm. 28 grams
18 Luncheon / Dessert Forks 18.50 cm. 46 grams
18 Luncheon / Dessert Spoons 18.50 cm. 54 grams
18 Dessert Knives - Ivorine Handles & Sterling Silver Blades 20.20 cm. 34 grams
18 Fish Knives 21.00 cm. 54 grams
17 Fish Forks 18.20 cm. 53 grams
17 Oyster Forks 12.00 cm. 22 grams
18 Ice Cream Spoons 13.00 cm. 20 grams
17 Teaspoons 12.50 cm. 19 grams
17 Cake Forks 13.50 cm. 22 grams
18 Knife Blade Rests - Sterling Silver 7.00 cm. 18 grams
1 Berry Serving Spoon 18.00 cm. 55 grams
1 Small "bonbon" Serving Knife 15.20 cm. 23 grams
1 Small Berry Serving Spoon 13.70 cm. 32 grams
1 Small Tart Server 13.20 cm. 25 grams
1 Small "bonbon" Serving Fork 13.70 cm. 23 grams
1 Cheese Serving Knife 19.50 cm. 35 grams
1 Butter Serving Knife - Sterling Silver Blade 19.00 cm. 43 grams
1 Large Salad Serving Spoon 26.00 cm. 112 grams
1 Large Salad Serving Fork 26.00 cm. 105 grams
1 Cake / Pie Server 23.50 cm. 101 grams
1 Dessert Serving Spoon 21.20 cm. 84 grams
1 Large Pie Server 25.50 cm. 80 grams
1 Large Serving Spoon 27.00 cm. 116 grams
1 Large Fish Serving Knife 28.50 cm. 115 grams
1 Large Custard / Dessert Server 22.20 cm. 88 grams
1 Large Fish Serving Fork 24.20 cm. 110 grams
1 Large Ice Cream Scoop 23.50 cm. 94 grams
1 Sauce Serving Ladle 23.50 cm. 85 grams
1 Pie Serving Knife 27.00 cm. 99 grams
1 Gigot Server - Ivorine Handle 21.00 cm. 122 grams
1 Gravy Serving Ladle with Grease Skimmer 18.50 cm. 92 grams
1 Large Meat Serving Fork - Ivorine Handle 27.50 cm. 126 grams
1 Large Meat Serving Fork 31.80 cm. 103 grams
1 Large Soup / Stew Ladle 32.70 cm. 249 grams
1 Asparagus Server 9.50 cm. 152 grams
1 Original Wood Storage Chest, L=57 cm., W=40.50 cm., H=34.50 cm.
