Set of six Porte Couteaux or cutlery rests used in French homes to safeguard the table linen when placing the knives on the table between courses or during a conversation.
 
These vintage silver plated knife rests certainly have character, conversation pieces indeed. They remind me of Mary Poppins with the umbrella and the cloche hat with the feather in it.
 
Made by Silea a stylish French company dating from the 1960s and 70s, they are quality pieces, weighty and stable with the name engraved on the base.
 
The knife rests measure approximately 3" long and are in good vintage condition. They could be further polished if required.