Ercuis French Silver Plate Teaspoon/Small Spoon
Flatware · Ercuis, founded by Priest Adrien Céleste Pillon in 1867 in Ercuis, France; known for high-quality French silver plate since the late 19th century.
Pattern: Standard Traditional Pattern; precise identification requires viewing the full handle decoration, likely a classic French bead or scroll motif.
Type
Flatware
Maker
Ercuis, founded by Priest Adrien Céleste Pillon in 1867 in Ercuis, France; known for high-quality French silver plate since the late 19th century.
Material
Argent Électro-Plat (Silver Plate) on a base metal (typically nickel silver/maillechort or brass).
Dimensions
Estimated length 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches); Weight approximately 25-35 grams depending on precise form.
Description
This piece represents the refined output of Ercuis, a manufacturer that became famous for supplying the Orient Express and legendary luxury liners. The item features a robust silver plate coating, evidenced by the French numerical silver weight stamp.
Key Features
The '12' in a square indicates French plating quality; the Centaur mark is the signature of Ercuis authenticity.
Material & Composition
Argent Électro-Plat (Silver Plate) on a base metal (typically nickel silver/maillechort or brass).
Finish & Decoration
High-polish silver finish with visible stamps on the handle; standard industrial French plating.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stamps include the centaur logo (Ercuis trademark), 'ERCUIS' in block letters, and the number '12' in a square (poinçon de charge), indicating the grams of pure silver used to plate a set of 12 pieces.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed and die-struck with electroplated silver coating; characteristic industrial French production.
Functional Features
Standard dining utility; likely a teaspoon or coffee spoon with a reinforced neck for durability.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral metal handle, tapered and stamped on the reverse side; typical French ergonomic design.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial plating with deep, legible legal stamps; edges are well-burnished to prevent peeling.
Authentication Indicators
The centaur symbol and 'ERCUIS' name are correctly struck; the square box around the number 12 is the legal French requirement for silver-plated items.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, Oise department (Ercuis factory); French silver plating standards are regulated by law regarding the numerical 'charge'.
Era & Period
Modern/Post-War Era; the specific style of the block lettering and centaur mark suggests production from the mid-20th century to the present.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950–1980; based on the sharp definition of the modern block 'ERCUIS' stamp and centaur logo.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of 'Art de Vivre' (the art of living), Ercuis reflects the French preference for high-quality plated items in daily hospitality and fine dining.
Condition Notes
Good; showing surface scratches (hairlines) consistent with use. No major 'bleeding' (base metal showing through) is visible in the stamp area.
Value Estimate
Individual spoons typically range from $10 to $25 USD depending on the pattern and size.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; use a soft cloth and a quality silver cream like Hagerty's to avoid stripping the silver layer.
Similar Pieces
Christofle 'Boreal' or 'Albi' patterns; Christofle uses a scale or knight mark, whereas Ercuis uses the centaur.
Interesting Facts
Ercuis was originally founded as a way for a village priest to create local employment; it eventually became one of the most prestigious silver houses in France, rivaling Christofle.