Gorgeous & rare antique French vermeil or 18k gold on sterling silver 4pc hors dâoeuvre serving set with large matching 10â ladle and original fitted storage and/or presentation box! All as ornate as can be with a beautiful Louis XVI style pattern to the sterling handles including rocaille and scrolling tendrils framing ornate interlaced âRGâ monograms (even on the vermeil end of the sugar tongs). Floral & foliate themed engravings on the vermeil or gold plated portions and all pieces in wonderful, perfectly usable condition. All pieces bear the post-1838 French Minerve or Minerva hallmark, the tiny number "1" within that mark means they have .950 silver content (95% pure so higher than the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). Our reference book tells us that the silversmith marks are for Louis Ravinet & Charles Denfert, Paris circa 1891-1912 though it must be incorrect! The gold embossed stamp inside the box reads 1786 Maison Robert-Degeresme , Lanier-Robert, Orfevre Joaillier, 18 Rue St Sulpice, Paris. That would mean the actual makers were Degeresme Robert & Robert Lanier (c. 1911) of Paris. A lovely set, don't miss it. Thanks!
Very good to excellent condition. Some very light surface scuffs but no damage to note and I see no losses to the gold plated portions. The box is in fine shape, as you can see in the images, working clasps and entirely intact. See pictures for measurements.
