Valenciennes, 1778, Stew Spoon, Solid Silver, Philippe Joseph Becquet

A beautiful and substantial solid silver stew spoon, crafted in Valenciennes in the 18th century by master silversmith Philippe-Joseph Becquet, also known as Béquet or Bécquet.This piece belongs to the classic and elegant “uni-plat” style, characterized by its understated design, the regular shape of its handle, and the absence of superfluous decoration. This timeless style particularly highlights the quality of the silver, the balance of its proportions, and the silversmith’s craftsmanship.The spoon measures 28 cm in length and is particularly heavy, weighing approximately 140 grams. It stands out for its comfortable grip and remarkably sturdy construction. Thick, heavy, and sturdy, it attests to high-quality craftsmanship and was intended for use in a wealthy household. The spoon is in perfect condition, with no notable damage. The bowl has retained its beautiful, regular shape, and the handle exhibits excellent rigidity. The piece as a whole features a pleasant antique patina, consistent with its age and authenticity.

The piece bears the four regulatory hallmarks of the Valenciennes Goldsmiths’ Guild:

– the rampant lion of Flanders;
– the swan;
– the crowned letter B, corresponding to the guild letter or date letter for 1778
– the master’s mark of Philippe-Joseph Becquet, consisting of the initials P I B.

Philippe-Joseph Becquet was admitted as a master silversmith in Valenciennes around 1748. He is also mentioned in contemporary documents as a silversmith merchant, indicating that he was involved in both the manufacture and sale of silverware.

He was married to Jeanne-Françoise Cottiaux, who died in Valenciennes in 1759. Their daughter, Marie-Anne-Denise Becquet, was married in 1773 at the Saint-Géry parish in Valenciennes. On the occasion of this wedding, Philippe-Joseph Becquet was explicitly referred to as a silversmith merchant, confirming his profession and his establishment in the city.

His master’s hallmark is generally described as bearing the letters P I B, with the letter I corresponding to the old way of representing the initial of the first name Joseph. His activity is documented throughout the second half of the 18th century. Several known and preserved pieces bear his hallmark, including cutlery, serving dishes, sprinkling spoons, coffee pots, chocolate pots, and candlesticks.

Philippe-Joseph Becquet’s work is characterized by its high quality of craftsmanship. It includes both simple, plain pieces and more elaborately crafted items, adorned with twisted ribs, shells, and rocaille motifs. Works bearing his hallmark are known to date from between 1748 and 1782, while his career is traditionally considered to have continued until around 1785–1786.

This stew spoon is thus a fine example of 18th-century Valenciennes silverwork. It combines substantial weight, particularly sturdy construction, excellent condition, and a complete set of antique hallmarks that are perfectly representative of the Valenciennes guild.