Direct from a Private Chateau in the South of France, A Stunning 171pc. Privately Commissioned Louis XVI Sterling Silver Flatware Set with Magnificent Original 4 Drawer Storage Cabinet and Including an Awesome Assortment of 16 Serving Pieces by International Known French Silversmiths "Henin Freres" in Excellent Condition - circa 1890s. The world of silversmithing has been graced by the hands of many master craftsmen throughout history, each leaving a distinct mark on the art form. Among these luminaries, the name Henin stands as a testament to the excellence and innovation that characterizes French silversmithing. Founded in 1820 by François-Thomas Germain Henin, the Henin silversmith firm emerged during a time of great artistic and cultural transformation in France.
Henin's commitment to excellence did not go unnoticed, and the firm garnered numerous awards and accolades for its outstanding craftsmanship. One of the earliest recognitions came in 1834 when Henin received the prestigious Medaille d'Or (Gold Medal) at the Exposition des produits de l'industrie française (Exhibition of French Industrial Products). This early accolade served as a harbinger of the firm's future success and solidified its reputation as a leader in silversmithing.
As the decades unfolded, Henin continued to receive acclaim for its contributions to the field. The firm's participation in various international exhibitions, such as the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London and the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1855, further solidified its standing among the elite silversmiths of the time. The awards bestowed upon Henin at these exhibitions not only celebrated the craftsmanship of individual pieces but also underscored the firm's role in advancing the art of silversmithing on a global scale.
As silversmiths to the Aristocracy of Europe," Henin Freres" has long been one of France's premier suppliers of fine silver. Each piece in this amazing set is skillfully handcraft with the fine workmanship that has made this brand a legend. Renowned for their elegant styling and the legendary quality of their products, this set is an exemplary testimony to the quality and luxury enjoyed by 19th century French aristocracy. This set is in extremely good condition. Each of the sterling silver pieces bears the hallmark of Master French Silversmith "Henin Freres" in addition to the French Government's "Head of the Minerva - 1" Hallmark, certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver. The Mother-of-Pearl Handled dessert knives bears the French Government's Minerva-2 Hallmark stamped on their vermeil blades. The set is of exceptional quality and craftsmanship - check the weights and measures below - all weights and measures approximate:
12 Dinner Knives - Inox Blades , 25.00 cm., 87 grams;
12 Dinner Forks, 20.70 cm., 82 grams;
12 Tablespoons, 21.00 cm., 91 grams;
12 Luncheon Knives - Inox Blades, 20.20 cm., 44 grams;
12 Luncheon / Dessert Forks, 17.70 cm., 52 grams;
12 Luncheon / Dessert Spoons, 17.70 cm., 51 grams;
12 Dessert Knives - Mother of Pearl Handles and Vermeil Blades, 20.00 cm.;
12 Fish Knives, 21.00 cm., 74 grams;
12 Fish Forks, 17.50 cm., 58 grams;
11 Tea Spoons, 13.60 cm., 26 grams;
12 Ice Cream Spoons, 12.20 cm., 28 grams;
12 Demitasse Spoons, 12.00 cm., 21 grams;
12 Oyster Forks, 12.20 cm., 26 grams;
1 Large Fish Serving Knife, 26.20 cm., 135 grams;
1 Large Fish Serving Fork, 22.20 cm., 118 grams;
1 Custard Serving Spoon, 14.50 cm., 50 grams;
1 Gravy Serving Ladle with Grease Skimmer, 16.80 cm., 112 grams;
1 Small "bonbon" Serving Knife, 16.70 cm., 37 grams;
1 Individual Tart Server, 13.50 cm., 38 grams;
1 Small "bonbon" Serving Fork, 14.00 cm., 30 grams;
1 Large Serving Spoon, 24.00 cm., 128 grams;
1 Large Soup / Stew Serving Ladle, 31.00 cm., 220 grams;
1 Meat Serving Fork, 28.30 cm., 180 grams;
1 Meat Serving Knife, 32.20 cm., 158 grams;
1 Large Salad Serving Spoon, 25.80 cm., 135 grams;
1 Large Salad Serving Fork, 25.70 cm., 128 grams;
1 Ice Cream Scoop, 24.70 cm., 132 grams;
1 Large Cake / Pie Serving Knife, 26.00 cm., 140 grams;
1 Pair of Sugar Tongs, 11.20 cm., 40 grams;
