Set Of Twelve Table Or Dessert Knives Made Of Ebony And Silver — Maison Charles, Paris

A very beautiful set of twelve table or dessert knives, of fine quality, preserved in their original case, still bearing the company’s original label “ À l’Arc, Charles, certified cutler”, located on Rue du Petit-Lion-Saint-Sauveur, then at the Palais-Royal, Galerie de Bois, in Paris.

This label provides particularly interesting insight into the set’s origin. In particular, it specifies that the firm specialized in the manufacture of metal-backed razors, “whose quality is recognized as superior,” and that it also produced fine cutlery, both in Paris and for clients located in other departments.

The Charles firm is documented at this address as early as the beginning of the 19th century: Madame Veuve Charles, née Debray, is specifically mentioned at 20 Rue du Petit-Lion-Saint-Sauveur as early as 1819, in connection with the manufacture of metal-backed razors. Parisian cutlery of this period enjoyed a special reputation for the finesse of its products and the quality of its steels.

The twelve knives presented here are particularly striking due to the quality of their ebony, which is very dense and has a remarkably fine grain, combined with beautiful solid silver mountings, including ferrules, inlays, and coats of arms. The set exudes a sober and refined elegance, typical of table cutlery intended for a wealthy clientele.

The steel blades, which are still very sharp, are in remarkable condition. A few very slight traces of pitting, extremely discreet, are visible on some of them. The knives have deliberately not been over-cleaned: the silver has retained its original patina, preserving the set’s authenticity and charm.

The case, on the other hand, shows some signs of age, notably the absence of one of its two clasps. It remains particularly interesting, however, as it has retained its red velvet lining, its original trimmings, and above all its label of provenance—a rare and valuable detail linking this set to a historic Parisian establishment.

A very beautiful set of antique cutlery, at once decorative, historic, and perfectly representative of the 19th-century taste for refined tableware. The presence of the marked case and its original label lends it added interest for the collector.

Twelve knives—ebony handles, solid silver mounts—original case.

Condition: the knives are in very good overall condition; slight pitting on some blades. The silver retains its original patina. The case shows signs of use and is missing a clasp.