Guy Degrenne (Létang-Rémy) Silver Plate Tasting Dish or Coaster
Hollowware (Small Plate/Dish) · Guy Degrenne (branded as Létang-Rémy). Guy Degrenne is a prominent French silverware manufacturer founded in 1948, known for acquiring specialized workshops like Létang-Rémy to expand their silverplate and high-end culinary offerings.
Pattern: Modernist / Hotel Line (Minimalist style)
Type
Hollowware (Small Plate/Dish)
Maker
Guy Degrenne (branded as Létang-Rémy). Guy Degrenne is a prominent French silverware manufacturer founded in 1948, known for acquiring specialized workshops like Létang-Rémy to expand their silverplate and high-end culinary offerings.
Material
Silver plate (likely Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The 'B' stamp indicates a specific silvering thickness or plate grade used in French manufacturing standards for commercial or high-end residential use.
Dimensions
Approximately 10-14 cm in diameter (individual coaster or bread dish size). Weight is estimated between 80-150 grams depending on base metal density.
Description
A clean, minimalist silver-plated dish by the renowned French manufacturer Guy Degrenne. This piece reflects the 'Hotel Silver' aesthetic where durability meets sleek, modern elegance. Lacking ornate decoration, it focuses on the geometry of the circle and the cool luster of silver, making it a versatile addition to a contemporary dining table.
Key Features
Distinctive 'B' stamp for French silver plating standards; combined branding of D (Degrenne) and Létang-Rémy; minimalist profile with a wide, flat rim.
Material & Composition
Silver plate (likely Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The 'B' stamp indicates a specific silvering thickness or plate grade used in French manufacturing standards for commercial or high-end residential use.
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Brushed finish with moderate surface wear. Minimalist design with a flat rim and slightly concave center; no ornate engraving or embossing, typical of mid-to-late 20th-century French modernism.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the reverse with the 'D' logo for Degrenne, followed by 'LÉTANG-RÉMY FRANCE' and the letter 'B' in a square. The 'B' refers to the French classification for silver plate thickness (often 10–20 microns).
Construction Details
Machine-spun or die-stamped from a single sheet of base metal, then electroplated. Features a clean, rolled or finished edge consistent with high-volume industrial precision.
Functional Features
Multipurpose small vessel; functions as a wine bottle coaster, a bread/butter plate, or a tasting dish for appetizers. The flat rim allows for easy stacking.
Handle & Grip Details
None; the piece is a simple circular form designed for flat placement on a tabletop.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The symmetry is perfect, and the stamping is uniform, indicating a well-maintained die and professional electroplating bath process.
Authentication Indicators
Stamp clarity is high, consistent with machine-pressure marking. The 'B' mark in a square is a standardized French indicator for silver plating quality, confirming its origin and material status as plated rather than solid.
Origin & Manufacturing
France (specifically the Vire or Ercuis regions where Degrenne facilities were located). French silverplate (Orfèvrerie) follows strict quality standards for plating thickness.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Late 20th Century, c. 1970-1990). The typography and minimalist aesthetic align with the functionalist design movement in French tableware.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980s. The branding style 'Létang-Rémy France' was commonly used after Guy Degrenne acquired the company and integrated it into their luxury service lines.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift in French dining culture from highly ornate 19th-century service to the streamlined, practical luxury of 'L'art de la table' in the modern era.
Condition Notes
Grade: Good. Shows heavy surface scratching and 'swirls' consistent with frequent use and cleaning with abrasive pads. No visible 'bleed' of base metal (pinking), but the silver plate has been dulled by micro-scratches.
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 USD per individual piece. Value is primarily functional rather than as a precious metal investment; sets of 6 or 12 carry a slight premium for hosting.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's). Avoid dishwashers and scouring pads, as these have caused the visible scratching; use a silver storage bag to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Christofle 'Uni' pattern coasters (higher price point, heavier plating); Ercuis modernist bread plates; Alessi stainless steel versions (different material but similar aesthetic).
Interesting Facts
Guy Degrenne famously started his business by recycling steel from tanks left on the beaches of Normandy after WWII to make cutlery, eventually becoming the leader in French stainless steel and silverplate.