Tiffany & Co. "Japanese/Audubon" Sterling Silver Flatware

the pattern designed in 1871 by Edward C. Moore (1827-1891), New York, New York, including a dozen eight-piece place settings with an additional dozen teaspoons and three serving pieces, monogrammed "R", presented in a Kenzied cloth-lined case with two lift-out knife trays and zippered canvas top, 3-1/2" x 23" x 13".
111 pieces total plus case
112.87 total t. oz. weighable silver

Provenance: Collection of Ronnie Brenner, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Notes: This multi-motif pattern was the pinnacle of Moore's infatuation with the Japanese aesthetic and remained popular through the 19th century; changing tastes in the 20th century, however, led to the design being dropped from regular production in 1904. Popular demand led to its revival in August 1956, when it was inexplicably renamed "Plantation" before being changed two months later to the more suitable "Audubon". It remains in production today, though in somewhat altered form: modern pieces do not have the slightly protruding knobs on the sides of the handle and, most noticeably, lack the finely detailed engraving on the birds, enhanced by a matte finish ground as evidenced in the present lot.

**In overall very good condition with no issues noted. All designs crisp and clean with very nearly no wear; seldom, if ever used. Each piece stamped "Tiffany Sterling Pat 1871 M". A superlative set. Note: since publication of the catalogue, the consignor has supplied the two missing pieces and the set is now complete; please note corrected count and weight.