Francois-Dominique Naudin French Silver Antique 'Queens' Pattern Flatware - 24 pieces, Paris, 1819-38

This rare set of 12 dinner forks and 12 spoons are some of the finest flatware we have ever had the opportunity to sell.

Made of 950 silver, a higher grade than sterling, each piece has incredible weight. The 'Queens' pattern features a lovely shell and classical foliate design with a reeded edge.

This lovely pattern decorates both sides of the handles. Emanating from the backs of the handles into the bowls of the spoons and areas above the tines are lovely shell decoration. An engraved shield which once would have contained a crest has been stippled to erase the crest and is now decorative.

Naudin was an important Parisian silversmith noted for making very fine flatware. His shop, at 6 Place Dauphine, was very close to La Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame on the Île de la Cité, the island in the center of Paris. Flatware from Naudin's shop would often accompany important services created by Napoleon's imperial silversmith Jean-Baptiste-Claude Odiot . Russian Tzar Alexander II owned 'Queens' pattern pieces by Naudin.

This incredible set is fully hallmarked. The forks and spoons measure 7.5 and 7.75 inches respectively. They weigh a very impressive total of 82.35 troy ounces and are in excellent condition.