Christofle French silver flatware has been crafted by master artisans since 1830. The revolutionary style and character of Christofle dinnerware comes from collaborations with groundbreaking architects, designers, and artists from around the world. Commissioned by such figures as Pope Pius Ix and the Paris opera, Christofle creates timeless pieces that emphasize artistry and sophistication in every detail. Christofle acquired Cardeilhac, a prestigious maker, in 1951, and kept their trademarks. Christofle was largely a silverplate maker, but for decades they subcontracted to Cardeilhac when they produced 950/1000 silver (higher fineness than standard 925/1000 sterling), so the relationship between the two firms had been ongoing. Cardeilhac exhibited and won medals in most exhibitions of the 19th century. They became one the most important French manufacturing-silversmiths of all types of cutlery and silverware. Gold medal "class cutlery," Universal Exhibition of 1878. Silver medal in the section "silverware", Universal Exhibition of 1889. Bronze medal for these works Fine cutlery, Damas steel. Medal "First Class", in the Universal Exhibition of 1855. Grand prize in the section "cutlery", Universal Exhibition of 1889. Maison Cardeilhac was founded in 1804, and became famous for fine chasing and naturalistic decoration (Napoleon was a customer). Renaissance is Christofle's most highly prized, most desirable pattern. This exquisite flatware pattern was inspired by the Renaissance style with its trilobite and unique pierced tip, embellished with a putti head and decorated with leaves. Magnificent vermeil 950/1000 fine silver flatware service in the pattern Renaissance by Christofle/Cardeilhac, the esteemed French firm renowned for their fine silver and luxury items - 147 pieces total. This service includes: 12 Large Dinner Size solid handle Knives with gilded stainless blades, 10 1/4" 12 Large Dinner Forks, 3-tine, 8 1/2" 24 Salad Forks, 3-tine, 7 1/4" 24 Teaspoons, 5 3/4" 12 Dessert Spoons, 7 1/4" 12 Flat Handle all-silver Individual Butter Spreaders 6" 12 Oyster Forks, 3-tine, 5 1/4" 12 Fish Knives, flat handle all-silver, 8" 12 Fish Forks, 3-tine, all-silver, 7 1/4" 1 Gravy Ladle, 8 1/4" 2 Salad Serving Sets, 9 1/2" 2 Vegetable Serving Spoons, large, 10 1/8" 2 Vegetable Serving Forks, 3-tine, 9 1/2" 2 Fish Servers, 12" 2 Fish Serving Forks, 5-tine, 9 1/2" 1 Roast Carving Knife with gilded stainless blade, 11" 1 Roast Carving Fork, 2-tine, all-silver, 9 1/4" Includes bonus brand new storage chest - styles vary. Excellent vintage condition, with no monograms. Minor surface scratches. Gold vermeil over 950 sterling. This set will be lightly polished and sealed in individual plastic sleeves prior to shipping. Renaissance by Christofle was the most expensive pattern in the world, made from 1867-2023. A 5-piece place setting was $12,500, vermeil was 50% higher in price and serving pieces much higher. The retail price of this set (new) was approximately $600,000. Truly exceptional! 100% Satisfaction guaranteed!