12 Solid Silver Teaspoons, Art Nouveau.

This magnificent set of 12 solid silver teaspoons is stamped with the Minerva 1st title—950/1000—and the Hénin & Cie silversmith’s hallmark, featuring a rosebud above the letters and a star below.
This hallmark was engraved in 1875 and struck through in 1891 before being reused from 1896 to 1901following the move from 33 to 77 Rue des Archives in Paris as the successor to Hénin and Vivier.
There is no doubt that our set, a pure product of Art Nouveau, dates from this second period. All the characteristics of Art Nouveau are present: a flowing handle featuring a constriction above the spoon head, and a spoon head finely decorated with scrolls and foliage at its base and a cluster of small flowers and foliage at the top, while the central cartouche was left blank to allow for a possible engraving.
The delicate decoration on the spoon head is repeated at the top of the handle on the back of the spoon bowl.
The twelve exquisite pieces, in excellent condition with no warping or dents in the spoon bowls and very few micro-scratches, are presented in the original case—in good condition—from the renowned Racine silverware house in Marseille.
The white satin lining of the lid bears the brand’s mark, and a label affixed underneath specifies “solid silver.”
Each spoon measures 14.5 cm, and the total weight of the set is substantial at 290 grams.
This very elegant, understated design will complement any table setting—whether classic or decidedly modern—unless, of course, you’d prefer to add it to your collection...