Mermod Jaccard Silver Flatware

Q: My husband inherited a set of silver flatware about 1958. The handles are mother-of-pearl. The ornate knife blades are carved with flowers and leaves. A plaque on the lid of the set’s case says ‘Mermod Jaccard & Co., St. Louis.’ Can you tell us how old the set is?

A: Mermod Jaccard & Co. was a St. Louis retail jewelry store that also sold silver. The company dates back to about 1845. Mermod Jaccard silver was made by various silver manufacturers, but the store marked pieces with its own name. The firm became Mermod, Jaccard & King in 1905, so your set was made before 1905.