Vilhelm Christesen Danish Silver Filigree Cake or Bread Serving Knife, Copenhagen, 1884

This rare serving knife Is exquisite. The saber-shaped blade is decorated on one side with scrolling foliate design. The handle is beautifully constructed in two layers. The interior is smooth and covered in gilding. This is then covered in intricate silver filigree silver. The exceptional applied silver with the gold background is stunning.

The top end is executed in the same fashion and is surmounted with an applied finial decorated with fine beading also used on both ends of the handle. There is also a shield which has never been monogrammed.

Christesen was an important Danish maker of the mid-late 19th century and this knife makes it easy to see why. The firm exhibited at Philadelphia Centennial Exposition of 1876, where their work was:  

—Commended for creditable work and tasteful designs. She [sic] exhibits solid silver ware repousse of excellent design and workmanship; also chased work.The centre piece and tea set of solid silver are meritorious. (1)

This wonderful serving knife is marked 'V CHRISTESEN' along with the silver mark and assayers mark of Simon Groth'. It measures 11/25 inches long, weighs 5.05 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.

Endnote:

1. Francis A. Walker Ed., United States Centennial Commission - International Exhibition 1876: Reports and Awards Group XI, (Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1877), p. 29.