A deluxe set of French silver cutlery, circa 1600 The single-edged blade of the knife tapering to a point. Chased décor on both sides with remnants of fire gilding. Two-pronged fork, the chiselled, openwork base still bearing remnants of gilding. The identical handles exquisitely worked in partially gilt silver. The ferrules wrought in the shape of dolphin's heads. The handles embellished with fine, raised strapwork and vase ornaments, interspersed with finely engraved leafy vines and crowns. The knobs with lavish relief decoration of scrolling bands, the knob caps ending in lion's heads in half relief. Length 30.5 and 23.2 cm.An extremely high quality set of Renaissance cutlery in outstanding condition.Condition: II +