Set Of 12 Silver-gilt Tea Spoons, 19th Century

A set of twelve silver-gilt teaspoons, French Minerva hallmark (2nd standard, 800‰). Second half of the 19th century, Napoleon III style. Silversmith unidentified, maker's mark present on each piece. Total weight: 187 grams. The handle, worked in high relief, features a richly executed rocaille decoration: scrolling foliage, flowers, ribbons, and shells extending to the smooth, unadorned oval cartouche. The bowl is shuttle-shaped, and the gilding, old and uniform, shows wear consistent with the age of the set. The chasing on the handles is of a finesse characteristic of Parisian workshops of the period. Presented in its original case, made of blackened wood with a crenellated edge, a central gilt medallion in a cartouche on the lid, and a white satin lining on the lid side and royal blue velvet on the spoons' side. The case has its original key but does not close. Box dimensions: approximately 18.5 × 17.5 × 3 cm.