Silver Olive Spoon — Rouen, 1755

Large olive spoon made of solid silver. The long, plain handle, which is slightly flared, ends in a rounded spatula.

The oval bowl is outlined along its rim by a double molded bead, which does not extend onto the handle. It features a delicate pierced and engraved design: a regular central pattern of quatrefoils and navettes, surrounded by vine branches, leaves, and grape clusters. A large stylized palmette adorns its upper end. A solid oval medallion accentuates the base of the bowl.

The spoon bears four hallmarks:

• master’s mark with the letters P.C., accompanied by a crowned fleur-de-lis; master silversmith yet to be identified with certainty;
• a crowned “T”: the hallmark of the Rouen Guild for 1755;
• Crowned “B,” with a fleur-de-lis in its lower part: the charge hallmark of Rouen, used between 1750 and 1756;
• animal head: the discharge hallmark of Rouen for the same period.

The combination of the crowned T, the crowned B, and the animal head allows this spoon to be precisely attributed to Rouen in 1755. This combination is documented on a piece held at the Petit Palais. Paris Museums – Rouen hallmarks⁠

Period: Louis XV

Place of manufacture: Rouen

Date: 1755

Material: solid silver

Length: 30 cm

Width: 5.5 cm

Weight: 133 g

Condition: Very good condition. Complete re-engraved decoration. Slight scratches and signs of wear consistent with its age; no restoration