Wonderful antique French Louis-Philippe era hallmarked vermeil or 18k gold on silver 12pc teaspoon set with attractive two-toned silver & gold pattern, brass inlaid rosewood storage and/or presentation box and fabulous condition! Okay, the pictures are a bit misleading, some only showing ten spoons while others showing the correct 12pc set, I somehow left two out in several images but there are twelve spoons. A gorgeous combination of rich vermeil and then the silver in the guilloche style machined handles. All bear the French Minerve or Minerva hallmark, the tiny number "2" within those marks designate them as being in .800 silver (80% pure so just under the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). The slightly lower silver content adds strength and is quite common in these smaller teaspoon sets, if they were in .950 silver they would bend too easily. "PB" silversmith marks are most likely for Philippe Berthier, Paris circa 1841-1851. A visually impressive set, one you'll definitely love getting out for guests.
Very good-excellent condition. Hardly a sign of vermeil wear, as you can see in the images, and there are no dents, damage or repairs to note. The box also in great shape but missing the key. As you can see from the interior photos, there is a space at the rear of the box for sugar tongs that have gone missing over the years. See pictures for measurements.
