Fabulous complete antique French vermeil or 18k gold on sterling silver 15pc tea serving set including 12 teaspoons, teapot strainer, tea scoop & sugar tongs, all beautifully preserved in the original Napoleon III Boulle inlaid ebony presentation box! The first thing you see here is the extent to which the maker or retailer went in the presentation of the contents. A truly superb old box, in jet black ebony or ebonized walnut veneers and accented with natural shell & reticulated brass "Boulle" inlay. Beautiful! Inside are an equally opulent collection of old French vermeil implements, the complete tea service to compliment your existing tray, pot, and elegant old French Limoges cups & saucers (dripping with raised gold enamel for sure). The French Minerve or Minerva hallmark on all pieces, 2nd titre designating .800 or better silver content so their not quite at the .935 standard for sterling. 'LB' silversmith marks but I've not found further reference (c.1850-80). An exquisite addition to your existing fine silver service or French vermeil tea set!
Very good condition. The exterior of the box does show a few signs of its age, a few small surface marks and a very slight inward bend to the lower front wood panel (the panel with key hole). No missing or replaced inlays that I can see though, beautiful boulle! Original fitted interior and linings but there is some spot staining or darkening in the bottom portion. No damage or repairs to any of the silver though, all as pristine as can be! Original hardware & lock but no key. See pictures for measurements.