Early 19th Century French Empire Style Sterling Silver Table Spoons
Flatware (Table Spoons) · French Provincial or Parisian Silversmith (indicated by hallmark placement)
Pattern: Fiddle and Thread or Plain Oar Pattern Derivative
Type
Flatware (Table Spoons)
Maker
French Provincial or Parisian Silversmith (indicated by hallmark placement)
Material
800 or 950 Pure Silver (Standard French French Silver)
Dimensions
Approximately 20-21 cm in length; estimated weight 70-85 grams per spoon
Description
A pair of classic French silver table spoons featuring the characteristic 'marks on the bowl' placement typical of early 19th-century French flatware. The bowls are deep and egg-shaped, transitioning into a sturdy handle that represents the restrained elegance of the Post-Revolutionary period.
Key Features
Hallmark placement on the underside of the bowl near the drop, diamond lozenge maker's mark, and hand-forged construction
Material & Composition
800 or 950 Pure Silver (Standard French French Silver)
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with unadorned bowls and drop-back hallmark positioning
Hallmarks & Stamps
French Provincial marks on the back of the bowl including the 'Grosse Garantie' or 'Vieillard' (Old Man) stamp and a diamond-shaped lozenge maker's mark
Construction Details
Hand-forged from a single silver ingot with hammered bowls and filed shoulders
Functional Features
Reinforced drop at the junction of the handle and bowl for structural durability
Handle & Grip Details
Plain 'Fiddle' or 'Oar' shaped handle with a rounded terminal
Craftsmanship Details
Evident hand-forging with slight variations in bowl symmetry characteristic of pre-industrial silversmithing techniques
Authentication Indicators
Traditional French hallmark placement and lozenge-shaped maker's cartouche consistent with French decree
Origin & Manufacturing
France, likely a regional guild workshop following national marking standards
Era & Period
French Empire to Restauration Period (c. 1800–1830)
Age Estimate
Circa 1819-1838 based on the 'Vieillard' standard marks seen on the bowl backs
Cultural Significance
Reflects the transition from aristocratic Rococo styles to the more grounded, functional aesthetics of the French Bourgeoisie post-1800.
Condition Notes
Very Good; minor surface 'butcher marks' or cleaning scratches, no evidence of bowl thinning or repairs
Value Estimate
$150 - $250 USD per pair depending on the specific maker's rarity and total gram weight
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap; use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's; avoid mechanical buffing wheels which can blur the sharp edges of the hallmarks.
Similar Pieces
English Old English Pattern spoons (marks on stem) or German 800 Spatenserie (Spade) patterns
Interesting Facts
In France, hallmarks were often placed on the back of the spoon bowl so they could be seen while the spoon was laid face down on the table, following traditional French dining etiquette.