Fabulous antique to vintage French PUIFORCAT Belle Epoque era sterling silver 9.75" long asparagus, pastry or sandwich serving tongs with sleek elegant styling including what is most often referred to as "English Thread" or, for the French, the "Filet" pattern! Nothing overly frilly here, just smooth, lustrous sterling silver so they'd be easy to work into your existing fine table service. The separate pieces bear the French Minerve or Minerva hallmark, the tiny number "1" within those marks means it's in .950 silver (95% pure so above the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). Of course, the silversmith mark is for the world renowned House of Puiforcat, (EP) Emile Puiforcat and date to the early 1900s. Since their beginning in 1820 with a small cutlery shop, they grew to be known for the finest of finery. Puiforcat is one of only a handful of French silversmiths that have attained worldwide name recognition for their long lauded history and reputation for timeless patterns and unrivaled craftsmanship. Now owned by Hermes, also a name known for opulence. Thick, heavy old French silver with all of the elegance you could hope for!
Very good-excellent condition. No damage or repairs to note, a slight surface scuff or two and a bit of tarnish visible. See pictures for measurements.
