Tiffany & Co 'Vine' Pattern Antique Sterling Silver Fruit Service, NYC, NY, c. 1880s

This exceptional service, which consists of 12 forks and 11 knives, is as beautiful as it is rare. Borrowing from Japanese aesthetics, the unique shapes with their naturalistic design elements make these pieces works of art.

The sleek, solid sterling knives have blades with serrated top edges and handles decorated with matte backgrounds and Pansy decoration on both sides. This matte finish decorates the fronts of the forks, which depict on both sides outstanding entwined Morning Glory flora. The blades of the knives and backs of the handles of the forks are engraved 'EMS'.

The knives are stamped 'TIFFANY & CO. MAKERS/ STERLING/ 900' and the forks are stamped 'TIFFANY & CO./ STERLING'. The knives and forks measure 6.5 and just over 6 inches respectively. They weigh a combined 27.80 troy ounces and are in excellent antique condition.