Set of 12 Henin & Cie (Co) French Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Vermeil Spoons in Box, c.1900
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 12 such spoons. The box, wood covered in leather has the mark of the distributor noted in gold embossment on the silk interior. I have shown the goldsmiths' or silversmith's mark and the set is by top maker, Henin & Cie, befitting in 1896, that silver firm and all its patterns are now owned by Hermés, having been folded into Puiforcat which was purchased entirely some 10 years ago by Hermés, PARIS. This set would be early, c. 1900. Ve