French Silver Gilt Dessert Set

second quarter 19th century and later, by Pierre Queille and successors, first standard (.950) silver gilt, in a finely detailed Bacchic pattern, the front with Bacchus and fruit basket, the reverse with swan and cornucopia, both with thyrsus stem and palmette heel, including eighteen each dessert forks, l. 7-1/4", spoons, l. 7-1/2", and knives, l. 8-3/8", the latter with filled handles and silver blades, presented in a 19th-century inlaid mahogany writing box with lift-out tray, the interior re-fitted to hold the set, lined with maroon velvet and marbled paper, 5-3/4" x 14" x 10".
61.26 total t. oz. (excluding knives)

An assembled set in generally good condition with scattered surface wear with the older pieces (the forks and knives) naturally more worn, and some fading to the gilding throughout, particularly on the relief. Scattered dark oxidation. Silver-gilt knife blades in good condition and secure, but some are slightly extruded from the handles from pitch expansion. No monograms or removals. The forks and knives are marked with the post-1838 "Minerva's head" first standard silver mark and the "PQ" maker's mark of Pierre Queille (eleven knives with the mark of Queille Sr. in use 1834-1848; seven knives and all forks with the mark of Queille Jr. in use 1848-1895); the spoons with the post-1878 French "Mercury's head" export mark and the "H. Fres & Cie." mark of Henri Freres & Cie in use 190-1931. The case in good condition with some scuffs and scrapes.