Knives & Service Set, Empire Period By Martin, Cutler In Paris

Martin, cutler in Paris, 25 rue Coquillière
Paris, between 1810 and 1815
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Rare set of three boxes from the Empire period, still bearing the cutlery's commercial label:
- 12 knives table (24 cm)
- 11 dessert knives (20 cm) [a knife is missing]
- 1 cutting service (27.5 and 31 cm)
Steel blades, ebony handles, ferrules, caps & badges in sterling silver
On some ferrules & caps, hallmark of small guarantee for Paris 1809-1819.
On table knives, 9 blades are original and 3 have been replaced in the past (1 without brand, 2 marked H. Luthi, manufacturer, Neuchâtel)
On dessert knives, 8 blades are original and 3 blades have been replaced formerly (2 without brands, 1 marked Gschwind)
The service is entirely original.
The general condition is good.
Usual cracks on the sleeves between ferrules & badges - slightly pitted steel.
The boxes are in used condition. A missing hinge on the service box.
The commercial reason of Martin "À l'abeille couronnée" makes it possible to date this very beautiful unit between 1810 [first mention of Martin in the Almanachs du commerce de Paris] and the fall of the Empire in 1815.