Fabulous antique French hallmarked 18K gold (vermeil) on .800, nearly sterling, silver 2pc hors d'oeuvre, condiment or sugar serving implement pair with ornate engraved or machined decoration and in the original fitted storage and/or presentation box! Beautiful! Thin and light silver, delicate we should say but not too delicate to use of course. The sifter piece has a beautiful shaping with engraved decoration and reticulated bowl. The tongs have lion's paws and very French bow & ribbon decoration. Each bears the post 1878 French Minerve or Minerva hallmark, the tiny number "2" in the lower right corner means it's in at least .800 silver (80% pure so just under the .925 standard for 'sterling' silver). There are silversmith marks but I can't quite make them out, too tiny :). Both nestled in the original fitted black leatherette case or etui, the interior fitted with royal blue silk or satin in the lid and dark blue velvet in the base. A truly gorgeous set!
Very good to excellent condition. No dents, damage or repairs to either silver piece. The box is also in great shape, as evidenced by the images. See pictures for weights and measurements.
