Pierced and engraved silver fish slice, 18th century, France (Dijon)

Description

Rare silver fish slice dating from the 18th century, of French provenance, associated with the Dijon généralité. Its curved blade with an undulating outline is pierced and engraved with a burin with a large fish placed at the centre of foliate scrolls and aquatic motifs. A peripheral band decorated with arcades frames the composition. The junction of the blade and the moulded socket is embellished with a raised shell, while the tapered handle is in turned wood. The heel of the blade bears the silversmiths’ hallmarks of the Ancien Régime of the Dijon généralité, associated with the Fermiers Généraux. Gross weight: 138 g.