Opulent Antique French Sterling Silver 18k Gold Vermeil Spoon Set of 6 in Wood Box
In 19th century France, sterling silver flatware was a traditional wedding gift. Often purchased in parts, the teaspoon or small dessert spoon or coffee spoon was typically made in .950/1000 pure silver or perhaps .800/1000 pure silver (more sturdy for small utensils like these or sewing items, etc), and since it is considered a dessert spoon, usually coated in a generous layer of 18k gold, and called "vermeil". Also traditional, French flatware is sold in multiples of 6 rather than 8 as we're used to in USA silver. This is a beautifully boxed set of 6 such spoons. The box, fine wood with brass stringing is from Napoleon III era, c.1850-70s. I have shown the goldsmiths' or silversmith's mark and the set is by Philippe Berthier who worked in Paris with his own mark between 1841-1851, so we'll say they're mid-1800s. Very good to excellent for age and type. These are stunningly beautiful and seem not to have been used much, if at all. The 18k coating is well-retained and the spoons are