Photo Credit: The-Cutter-Gallery
Set of 6 Antique French Vermeil Teaspoons from the Belle Époque
Buy It Now Price: $200 (price as of 2017; item no longer available)
Pros:
-Elegance is the watchword for this opulent set of 6 antique French vermeil teaspoons from the Belle Époque era, circa 1900.
-Vermeil is the French term for a silver-gilt item. Vermeil consists of a solid silver alloy – often sterling silver – which is then coated with a thin layer of high karat gold. The resulting object appears to be made of solid gold, although it is almost entirely silver by weight.
-This set of antique French vermeil teaspoons measure approximately 5.75 inches (14.6 cm) long by 1.125 inches (2.9 cm) wide. They weigh 98.3 grams (3.16 troy ounces) in aggregate.
-The Bell Époque was an unprecedented period of peace and prosperity in Europe that ran from 1871 until the outbreak of World War I in 1914. Sometimes known as the Gilded Age, the extravagant Bell Époque era has been immortalized in countless television shows, movies and books.
-These French vermeil teaspoons were crafted by the silversmith J. Granvigne. His workshop was located on 4 rue Beranger in Paris during the late 19th century and very early 20th century.
-These teaspoons bear both the Minerva and Mercury hallmarks, indicating 800 fine silver of the French 2nd standard. The Mercury hallmark strongly suggests these pieces were produced in France for export abroad.
-This set of French vermeil teaspoons has a very attractive bright-cut engraved serpentine or weave pattern. Even though they are undoubtedly over a century old, their classic design still possesses a refined, surprisingly modern sensibility.
–Continental European silver is an overlooked treasure right now, making these antique teaspoons definitely worth the $200 asking price. They are fairly heavy (16.4 grams each), in great condition and will easily last for decades to come if well cared for.
Cons:
-With silver currently trading at $17.92 a troy ounce, this particular set of antique teaspoons only contains $45.30 worth of silver. The asking price represents a rather large premium of 342% over their bullion value. You are mostly paying for workmanship, beauty and historic value here. Some antique silver flatware currently available on the market has lower premiums. Even so, these teaspoons are captivating and well worth the asking price in my opinion.
-These French vermeil teaspoons are all monogrammed with the initials “RS” under the handle. Some people don’t like antique silverware that has been monogrammed. However, it is part of the historical charm of old silver and has a neutral impact on its value.
-These antique teaspoons are French 2nd standard, meaning 80% silver. This set would be more desirable if it was French 1st standard, which is 95% silver. This is a rather minor drawback, though, and has almost no effect on their value.
