This incredible silver gilt dessert service was made circa 1750 almost certainly in Germany. 

This set is of the very highest quality and survived in the most amazing condition. There are 72 pieces another with place settings for twenty four people consisting of knife, fork and spoons. This flatware has been designed in a very elegant rococo design with shells motifs which was extremely popular in the 1750s. Each piece is perfectly chased and engraved. The forks are particularly nice as they are the three pronged design which is particular rare as it was only popular in the first half of the 18th century.

The set comes complete in a contemporary green shagreen and silk lined case which is almost as breathtaking as the silver flatware itself. There are four silk lined trays within the box. The box has also survived in wonderful condition and bears an early 20th century label on it with the name of Helen Crocker Russell (1896-1966). Helen was the daughter of William Henry Crocker and Ethel (Sperry) Crocker. William was the president of the Crocker National Bank that helped finance the rebuild of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. She married Captain Henry Potter Russell in 1927 in London. She founded the Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture in San Francisco.

Overall this is an exceptional mid 18th century dessert service. Services of this size, quality, condition in their case from this period very rarely come onto the market. This is a real treasure that can be used and enjoyed.