Lovely antique French 18k gold on sterling silver "vermeil" 8 5/8" berry or dessert serving spoon with ornate acanthus & foliate handle and engraved bowl with flowers, insect and bird! I most often see this type as referred to as a strawberry serving spoon, the vermeil pieces were generally reserved for dessert serving pieces and that would fit right in here. It bears the post-1838 French Minerve or Minerva hallmark, the tiny number "1" within that mark mean's it's in .950 silver under the gold plating (95% pure silver and so above the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). The silversmith mark is for Victor Boivin, Paris circa 1897. An elegant service piece!
Very good condition. Some visible wear to the gold or vermeil. No dents, damage or repairs to note. See pictures for weight and all measurements.
