Rare set of twelve chrome plated metal knife-rests in the shape of different animals: lobster, lion, grasshopper, elephant, hippopotamus, monkey, eagle, fish, sea lion, puma (2) and duck, circa 1920-1930.
The knife rests feature the characteristic of the Art Deco style prevalent at that time. The pieces are not marked but the model is known to have been produced and sold at the time by “Le Comptoir Général” store. This complete set is with its original box with compartments for each piece. No monograms.
The Comptoir Général, retailer figured among the great Parisian stores of the late nineteenth-century and was one of ‘the most well-stocked shops for everything from jewelry, bronze art objects, timepieces & furniture, precious stones, marble sculptures, silverware, ceiling lights & white metal, chandeliers, cutlery, lamps & diamond-faceted fireplaces, travel clocks, “fine-stone” pearls.
Intersecting the grand Parisian boulevards, the Comptoir Général was located on the royal route. Strolling from the Place de la Madeleine to Boulevard Montmartre, elegant crowds was stopping to admire the store’s display windows, stocked in an abundant and spectacular manner.
The Comptoir Général was contemporary as other great department stores of the period, like the Grands Magasins du Louvre, Bon Marché, and La Samaritaine, and attested to the new forms of commerce developing during the second half of the nineteenth century. These stores displayed in a way that was elaborate and often luxurious.
Measures:
3.94 (10.4 cm) lobster.
3.54 (9 cm) lion, grasshopper, elephant, monkey, eagle, fish.
3.15 (8.7 cm) sea lion, hippopotamus, puma.
2.76 (7.8 cm) duck.
Weight: 732 grams.
Total weight with original box : 1100 grams
The condition is very good for this set. Micro-scratches from normal use.
We ship purchase Mondays through Friday (outside French holidays) paid items will be shipped on the first shipping day after payment is received.
