SOUTHERN GERMAN, 18TH CENTURY AND LATER | Set of Cutlery

comprising: a set of 7 knives, 1 large carving knife, and 1 presentation fork, carved with Old Testament Scenes, all knives marked with a crowned 'D', one hilt numbered to the reverse 12; 5 forks carved with biblical figures, two numbered in pen: 17 and 18, one numbered 7 to the front;4 wood spoons with symbols for the the Evangelists Luke and John and two further carvings;a large wood serving spoon with a scene of the Drunkenness of Noah;one later knife with carved hilt

Overall the condition of the cutlery is good, with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some tarnishing to all of the steel blades of the knives and steel prongs of the forks. There is minor stable splitting to the boxwood, consistent with the material, including some slightly open but stable splits, such as to the knife numbered ‘12’, the large presentation fork and the bowl of the large decorated spoon. There are minor losses to some of the boxwood, in particular to the fingers and hands of a few of the figures. There are further minor losses to the shell decoration on top of the large spoon, and there are some minor chips to the edges of the bowls of a few of the spoons. There are also a few chips to the top of the spoon with the Eagle and Saint John the Evangelist. The head of one of the angels on the large presentation knife has been reattached. There is minor evidence of past worming to some of the boxwood.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."