Description

Wonderful and unusual circa 1840 13 piece set comprising 12 French solid silver gilt bright cut engraved teaspoons plus 1 matching caddy spoon. These were from the estate of Sylvaine le Desert. She was the daughter of famous Parisian journalist Jacques le Desert and the granddaughter of the newspaper proprietor and minister, Alexandre Israel. These came from the Paris property of her grandfather, now named Place de Alexandre Israel.
Sylvanie survived occupied France by posing as a village girl. She worked the land, and became a member of the French resistance. She lived in Surrey, England for many years, until her death in 2009.
The collection of 13 spoons are marked with the Minerva head for .800 fine, and bear the makers mark of renowned maker Pierre Queille of 70 rue de Faubourg, Montmartre, Paris. He used this mark during the period 1834-1846. He was one of the few silversmiths who made items for the famous House of Odiot, as he was known for his fine craftsmanship.
With their original silver gilt, all the spoons have stems engraved with a bright cut double struck pricked dot pattern with a ric rac design to edge. The reverse of each stem bears an interesting family crest.
The matching caddy spoon has a beautiful and very realistically modelled scallop shell bowl. This piece alone would be a great addition to a caddy spoon collection.
Size-teaspoons are 5 5/8 inches long. Caddy spoon is 4 inches long by 1.75 inches wide.
Weight-200 grams total.
Some of the teaspoon stems are not perfectly straight, from use over the centuries, and there is a flattened spot on the edge of the caddy spoon bowl from use. However, this set is in very good condition overall.
An unusual, beautiful, and complete set of 12 teaspoons with caddy spoon, having a very interesting provenance, and made by a famous maker.
These would be wonderful to own to use when serving tea or coffee, to use for small desserts, or to give as a gift.
Please click on my personal website link in the top left column of this page, or go to www.serpentineantiques.co.uk to see additional items not listed on this site. If you would like additional photos, I am happy to provide them.
Inventory is located in different locations, so please email to verify availability. Thank you.
Internal Ref: 6031