Set Of Twelve Pointed Spoons Made Of Solid Silver With A Vermeil Finish - Minerva Hallmark - France

Set of twelve pointed spoons in solid silver with vermeil plating — France, Napoleon III periodSilversmith: Antoine-Calixte Chéret — Minerva & silversmith hallmark

(Sold without the box)

A complete set of Second Empire silverware, comprising twelve pointed spoons, a sugar tong, and a shell-shaped sugar spoon, all crafted from solid silver and richly vermeilled.

The spoons, measuring 14 cm in length by 2.5 cm in width, feature crisp, even engraving typical of the workshop of Antoine-Calixte Chéret, who was active in Paris between 1830 and 1870:

• Ribs precisely drawn along the handle,

• perfectly symmetrical, smoothed fillets,

• a pointed tip shaped for serving fine powders,

• intact reliefs, with no sagging or wear to the decoration.

The shell-shaped sugar spoon, measuring 11 cm × 4.5 cm, features deep and even repoussé work, while the tongs display a harmonious design, chiseled with the masterful craftsmanship characteristic of Parisian productions during the Second Empire.

The sugar tongs, 15.5 cm long and 2 cm wide, feature a harmonious design.

The vermeil, with its uniform warmth, is remarkably well-preserved, with no areas of discoloration.No dents, no deformation: very good condition, consistent with a set that was rarely used and carefully preserved.

Each piece bears the Minerva hallmark, guaranteeing the silver’s fineness, as well as the silversmith’s mark “A.C.” of Antoine-Calixte Chéret, whose production of vermeil cutlery and tableware is particularly sought after for its quality and elegance.

Total net weight: 198 grams