Puiforcat – Vermeil Silver Flatware Service For 12, Laurel-wreathed “h”, Paris 19th Century

Vermeil silver flatware service for entremets, hors d’oeuvres and first courses by PUIFORCAT, known as the “Filet” or “Filet Ancien” pattern, with spatula and handles finely engraved with a laurel wreath enclosing an “H”.
Gross weight: approximately 2.102 kg.

• 12 vermeil silver forks (L. 16.7 cm);
• 12 vermeil silver spoons (L. 17 cm);
• 12 fruit knives, with handles and blades in vermeil silver, the blades engraved PUIFORCAT in full (L. 20.3 cm).

• Minerva, 1st standard;
• Maker’s mark: EP, a penknife, for ÉMILE PUIFORCAT (1857–1883).

Presentation:
Presented in a fitted case for the forks and spoons, with a separate pouch for the knives.

Condition report:
This flatware service retains the notable and highly desirable feature of preserving its original vermeil, particularly well preserved throughout. The surface shows only the light scratches and wear consistent with age and use, without loss of uniformity or warmth of the gilding.
The blades, tines and bowls are in excellent condition, with no deformation or functional alteration.

Thanks to their well balanced proportions, these pieces may be used both as entremets flatware and, with great elegance, as hors d’oeuvre or first course cutlery, set alongside silver table flatware.

ÉMILE PUIFORCAT

Émile PUIFORCAT is the founder, in 1820, of the renowned Maison PUIFORCAT. He registers his maker’s mark in 1857 and operates from 18 rue Chapon, in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris.
He dies in 1883, though his mark continues to be used by his successors until 1927, when it is officially struck off. The talent of Jean PUIFORCAT, representative of the fourth generation and a leading figure of the Art Deco period, firmly places the house at the forefront of modern French silversmithing.