Ravinet d'Enfert Silver Plated Hollowware or Flatware Piece
Hollowware or Flatware Subcategory · Ravinet d'Enfert, a prominent French silversmith and manufacturer known for high-quality tableware and metalware, based in Paris.
Pattern: Standard Ravinet d'Enfert production line, featuring classic French culinary and dining designs.
Type
Hollowware or Flatware Subcategory
Maker
Ravinet d'Enfert, a prominent French silversmith and manufacturer known for high-quality tableware and metalware, based in Paris.
Material
Silver Plated Metal (Electroplated), indicated by the 'METAL BLANC' stamp, utilizing a white metal or nickel silver base.
Dimensions
Standard dimensions for serving or dining pieces; weight not precisely determinable from hallmark image alone, but consistent with plated hollowware or flatware standards.
Description
An authentic maker's mark detail photograph showing the impressed stamps of the renowned French house Ravinet d'Enfert. The clear punch includes the company name, the number 20 signifying the plating standard, and the 'METAL BLANC' mark confirming silver plating over a white metal base.
Key Features
Clear, crisp triple-punch hallmark system unique to mid-century French silver-plated wares by Ravinet d'Enfert.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated Metal (Electroplated), indicated by the 'METAL BLANC' stamp, utilizing a white metal or nickel silver base.
Finish & Decoration
Standard polished silver-plated finish typical of mid-20th-century French dining wares.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Maker's mark 'RAVINET D'ENFERT' enclosed in a rectangle, a numerical quantity mark '20' denoting standard silver-plating thickness or weight, and a square mark reading 'METAL BLANC' (white metal).
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured base with traditional French silver-plating techniques, standard industrial joining and finishing.
Functional Features
Designed for standard dining or serving utility as part of a French tableservice collection.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral handle or body construction consistent with the specific piece type, executed in matching silver-plated white metal.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-stamped hallmarks indicating careful factory quality control and adherence to French commercial plating standards.
Authentication Indicators
Well-struck, authentic French manufacturer punches with correct typography for Ravinet d'Enfert and standard French plating terminology ('Metal Blanc').
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Paris, France, adhering to traditional French silversmithing and electroplating standards.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century, likely post-WWII (circa 1945-1970), based on the style of the maker's mark and the '20' plating indicator.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940s to 1960s based on standard French maker mark typologies of the mid-20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the rich tradition of French dining culture and the high standards of mid-century Parisian metalware manufacturing.
Condition Notes
Surface shows minor scratching and wear typical of vintage metalware surrounding the hallmark punch; overall good legible condition.
Value Estimate
Moderate collectible value, heavily dependent on the specific form of the complete item (flatware piece vs. hollowware dish).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a gentle silver polish or specialized cleaner safe for silver plate. Avoid abrasive scouring pads to preserve the thin plating layer.
Similar Pieces
Comparable silver-plated items by French contemporaries such as Christofle, Ercuis, or Gallia.
Interesting Facts
Ravinet d'Enfert was a well-respected Parisian maker that frequently supplied luxury liners, hotels, and fine French households with elegant table service.