Style of Christofle (French, active from 1830), early 20th century. Set of 8 silver-plate zoomorphic knife rests, comprising a seal, lion, rhinoceros, grasshopper, lobster, monkey, fish, and dove. Unmarked. Ranging in length from 3 to 4 1/8 in., in width from 3/4 to 1 in., and in height from 7/8 to 1 7/8 in.

The original set by Christofle was based upon designs by animalier sculptor and painter Édouard-Marcel Sandoz (Swiss, 1881 - 1971) and would have been housed in a marked, fitted case. Sandoz notably designed for both Christofle and Limoges, bringing his sleek, stylized, animal forms into the decorative arts arena.