6-piece set of mother-of-pearl and sterling silver fruit knives, Hénin & Vivier (1891-1896)

• Vermeil:

Vermeil is a thin layer of gold applied to sterling silver.
Clad silver
Clad silver is a shell of sterling silver ‘clad’ with another material such as wax or resin. Widely used during the 20th century, it was often moulded and decorated with patterns.

• Silver-plated metal

Silver-plated metal is a goldsmithing technique that involves applying a layer of silver to base metal.

• The Minerva head hallmark

The Minerva head hallmark was introduced on 9 May 1838. It is used to mark silver items manufactured in France that have been tested using the wet method and recognised as being 950 thousandths (1st grade) or 800 thousandths (2nd grade) silver.
Minerva hallmark 1st fineness = 950 silver
Minerva hallmark 2nd fineness = 800 silver

• The Boar's Head hallmark

Boar's Head hallmark = Hallmark used between 1838 and 1973 for small silver items

• The Michelangelo Hallmark

The Michelangelo hallmark was stamped by the Paris Bureau on silver items recognised as 1st title (950 thousandths); introduced on 16 August 1819, it was abolished on 9 May 1838.
Michelangelo hallmark = 950 silver

• The Raphael head hallmark

The Raphael head hallmark was stamped by the Paris Assay Office on silver items recognised as 2nd title (800 thousandths); introduced on 16 August 1819, it was abolished on 9 May 1838.
Raphael's head hallmark = 800 silver

• The Facial Mask Hallmark

Facial mask hallmark = medium guarantee hallmark stamped on medium-sized silver items

No dishwasher, hand wash only