Photo Credit: Noblesse-Collection
Antique French Sterling Silver Gilt Tea Spoons Set 12 pc Napoleon III c.1850
Buy It Now Price: $650 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This is a set of 12 French silver gilt teaspoons from the period of Napoleon III (1850s or 1860s) made by the Parisian silversmith Guillaume Deniere.
-These teaspoons are executed in beautifully detailed, ornate Louis XV style, otherwise known as French Rococo. This is consistent with their mid 19th century attribution.
-The pieces have the appropriate hallmarks for the period - the maker's mark along with the head of Minerva, first standard. French first standard silver is 95% fine, which is higher than sterling silver.
-The teaspoons are 5.82 inches (14.8 cm) long and weigh 26.8 grams (0.8625 troy ounces) each. They are crafted from heavy gauge solid silver. The total weight of the set is 322 grams (10.35 troy ounces) and its bullion value at current silver prices ($16 an ounce) is about $157.
-The set comes with its original 19th century ebonized wooden box, inlaid with decorative brass. This is a highly desirable bonus.
-When knowledgeable connoisseurs speak of "old world craftsmanship" in hushed, reverent tones, this item is the sort of thing they are talking about. Everything about these silver teaspoons exudes quality, from the original wooden storage box to the stunningly high relief decoration to the glittering vermeil (gold-plating).
-The workmanship of this set of silver gilt tea spoons is simply superb. I have rarely seen silver flatware that matches the quality of these pieces. They would make a great investment, even at the $650 asking price.
Cons:
-There are really very few negatives about this antique set of teaspoons. I suppose you can argue that the asking price of $650 is a substantial premium over the intrinsic value ($157) of the set. But that is only a reflection of its stellar artistic quality.
-The seller disclosed a crack underneath the box, so that piece isn't in perfect condition. All things considered, this set is in magnificent condition for being 160 years old.
