Antique French Silverplate Fish Serving Set with Maritime Engraving

A silverplate fish serving set — knife and fork — that spent decades in Patricia and Walter Wells's Paris apartment, originally found at a brocante. Dating from around 1880 to 1910, the broad, leaf-shaped blade of the serving knife is engraved with a sailing boat set within scrolling foliage. The fork carries the same motif across its wide tines. Both handles are heavily cast and chased, with beaded detailing, cartouche panels and pinecone finials. Today this set would sit beautifully in a glass cabinet or on a kitchen shelf, or used for a dinner where the fish course deserves a moment of theatre.