Elegant antique French Louis Philippe to Napoleon III era 18k gold on hallmarked solid .800 (nearly sterling) silver "vermeil" 12pc coffee or tea spoon set with sugar tongs in a brass inlaid ebonized rosewood casket or box, ornate flatware pattern with interlaced monograms and all in wonderful condition! A beautiful set, all virtually dripping in gold. Called vermeil, the French most often used 18k gold to plate these old silver pieces and, while we haven't tested these, we're confident that is the case here. The spoon bowls in the old style with pointed tips, the tops of the handles with an ornate pattern consisting of seashell shapes and scrolled foliate & tendrils, all but the tongs with what appears to be interlaced "HL" monograms. Quite unique, definitely attractive! The set kept in what is most likely the original storage and/or presentation case. Opulent as they come with beautiful hardwood veneers, brass inlay strips & cartouche. The interior with the original red velvet & silk or satin. Nearly as wonderful as the golden treasures inside! The spoon bowls all bear the French Minerve or Minerva hallmark, the outer shape and tiny number "2" within means they're in .800 or better silver content (at least 80% pure so just under the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). There are also tiny diamond shaped silversmith marks on all, I haven't yet found that on the spoons but the tong bears the mark of Francois Pamphlet Jozan, Paris circa 1836-1847.
Very good to excellent condition. A very slight bit of wear to the gold plating visible on some of the raised decoration and a faint bend possible on the handle stems. The box is in great shape, no missing or lifting inlays though it is missing the key. See pictures for measurements and silver weight.
