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19th Century French Silver Vermeil Flatware Dessert Set for Six, 18 Pieces

About the Item

This charming 19th century French 18-piece cased dessert silverware / flatware set, with its unique, slightly grotesque satyr mask motif and warm vermeil gold tone, carries an interesting and informative set of hallmarks. All six forks, six spoons and three of the knives are stamped with the same "Mercury head in octagon" export hallmark signifying .950 silver, used from 1840-1879. On the reverse side of each Mercury mark can be seen a secondary quality assurance mark known as a "bigorne." These bigorne counter-marks, appearing as partial images of various insects, were instituted by the French government beginning in 1818 to prevent fraud. The other three knives appear to be 19th century replacements for lost pieces, each carrying various maker's marks.  The French term vermeil (ver-may) denotes sterling silver (purity of at least .925) plated with a thin layer of gold. In this case, all of the forks and spoons, as well as four of the six knives, are stamped signifying a silver purity of .950 - so these pieces can be considered vermeil. The remaining two knives are marked with a "Minerva #2" signifying silver purity of at least .800, and while this does not meet the strictest specifications for vermeil, the tone and patina of the metal is identical to that of the rest of the set. Total weight .950 silver: 570 gm / 18.33 Troy oz. Total weight .800 silver: 65 gm / 2.09 Troy oz.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 7.29 in (18.5 cm)Width: 1.38 in (3.5 cm)Depth: 0.99 in (2.5 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 18
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Silver,Vermeil,Gilt
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1840-1879
  • Condition:
    Replacements made: Based on silver hallmarks, it seems three (of six) knives are period replacements. See text for full description. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
  • Seller Location:
    Madrid, ES
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3306121705262