11 Antique 1877-1885 French 950 Sterling Silver Paul Massat Spoons 5 3/4"

Presented is a fine set of 11 French silver spoons. These spoons date to 1877-1885 and were made by Paul Massat. These spoons are made from French first standard silver, which has a purity of 950. It's worth noting that this is a higher standard of purity than sterling, which is 925. The spoons have a simple, classical form, with a circular belt design on the backs of the handles. To round out the set, we are including a silver plated spoon that appears identical in design from the front, but has an ornate monogram/crest on the back.

 

The spoons are in great overall condition. All eleven of the silver spoons have a professionally done monogram removal to the center of the belt cartouche on the back of the handles. These removals are hard to notice without close inspection. There are no breaks and no repairs.

 

Each of the eleven silver spoons is hallmarked on the bowl with the French Minerva stamp for first standard silver, which has a purity of 950, as well as the maker's mark for Paul Massat. Paul Massat was active between 1877-1885. The bonus silverplate spoon is stamped 15g and with a maker's mark we unfortunately do not recognize.

 

Each of the spoons is about 5 3/4 inches long.

 

The total weight for only the eleven silver spoons is 273.4 grams or 9.7 regular ounces. This weight does not include the bonus silverplated spoon, which according to its marks should have 15 grams of silver in its plating.

-jm