Fabulous antique French Napoleon III to Belle Epoque era sterling silver "passe the" or tea strainer for teapot in a charming wooden bucket shape with floral & foliate decoration and wonderful condition! A common addition to a fine sterling silver teapot, the hallmarked silver wire slips into the spout so that any loose tea leaves are filtered out while pouring. It bears the French Minerve or Minerva hallmark, the tiny number "1" within that mark means it's in .950 silver (95% pure and higher than the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). The barrel and wire have different silversmith marks, the barrel with "VH" and the hanger with "?D" and I've not been able to find reference as of yet. A truly delightful piece!
Very good to excellent condition. I see no real damage or flaws to note. See pictures for all measurements.
