French Louis XV Style Silver-Plated Christening Set (Couverts de Baptême)
Flatware - Christening/Youth Set (Fork and Spoon) · Unknown French Silversmith / Jeweler; presentation box marked for 'Jeannert Bijoutier Chelles'
Pattern: Louis XV Shell and Scroll Pattern (Rococo Revival)
Type
Flatware - Christening/Youth Set (Fork and Spoon)
Maker
Unknown French Silversmith / Jeweler; presentation box marked for 'Jeannert Bijoutier Chelles'
Material
High-quality Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS) or possibly French Sterling (.950) depending on hallmark examination; likely silver plate based on age and commonality of boxed retail sets.
Dimensions
Fork approx. 17-19 cm; Spoon approx. 17-19 cm; Combined weight approx. 120-150 grams. Standard Continental youth/christening size.
Description
An elegant French silver christening set comprising a fork and spoon, presented in its original silk and velvet-lined white leatherette box. The handles are elaborately decorated with swirling acanthus leaves and characteristic Rococo shell motifs. This set represents a 'Couverts de Baptême,' a traditional gift from a godparent to a child, symbolizing a wish for prosperity.
Key Features
Boxed presentation, Louis XV Rococo motifs, 'Jeannert Chelles' retailer mark, deeply struck high-relief handles.
Material & Composition
High-quality Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS) or possibly French Sterling (.950) depending on hallmark examination; likely silver plate based on age and commonality of boxed retail sets.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized/Antiqued recesses with a bright polished surface; features acanthus leaves, C-scrolls, and shell motifs in the Rococo style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely features a square manufacturer's mark and a numerical grammage mark (e.g., '84' or '18') for silver plating, or a Minerva head for sterling; located on the back of the neck or handle terminals.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck construction with hand-finishing/polishing; two-piece solid metal casting for the fork and spoon.
Functional Features
Tapered tines for the fork; egg-shaped bowl for the spoon; ergonomically flared handles designed for a comfortable grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handles integrated with the heads; features high-relief scrollwork terminating in a decorative shell finial.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production; the deep relief of the shell reveals a quality die-striking process typical of established French workshops.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the retailer name with the French region (Chelles), typical silk-screened logo on the lid liner, and standardized French flatware proportions.
Origin & Manufacturing
France (likely Paris or Lyons manufacturing), retailed in Chelles by jeweler 'Jeannert'.
Era & Period
Third Republic / Belle Époque (Late 19th to Early 20th Century) reflecting Rococo Revival (Louis XV) taste.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1920 based on the presentation box typography and the design popularity in France during this window.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Art de la Table' (Art of the Table) movement and the bourgeois tradition of gifting silverware to mark religious or family milestones.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition; light surface tarnish and micro-scratches from handling. Box shows minor external age-related discoloration.
Value Estimate
$60 - $120 USD if silver plate; $180 - $300 USD if solid French sterling (.950).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's); avoid dishwasher; store in the original box with an anti-tarnish strip to prevent yellowing of the silver and the silk.
Similar Pieces
Christofle 'Chinon' or 'Marly' patterns; Ercuis 'Rocaille' — these brands are the luxury benchmarks for this specific style.
Interesting Facts
In French culture, giving a 'cuillère et fourchette' (spoon and fork) was a significant milestone gift, often more valued than jewelry for young children as it was used for special Sunday meals.