French Belle Époque Period Neoclassical Laurel Wreath Sterling Silver Handle Tea Strainer and Dessert Spade Set

French Belle Époque Period・Neoclassical Laurel Wreath Sterling Silver Handle Tea Strainer & Dessert Server Set (Original Box) Exquisite custom silverware craftsmanship from late 19th to early 20th century France (circa 1890–1910). The handles are crafted from French sterling silver, hallmarked with the Minerva head, symbolizing the legal standard of silver purity at the time. This entire set embodies the core concept of afternoon tea, representing an elegant ensemble frequently commissioned by affluent families during the Belle Époque. This two-piece set each serves a distinct purpose: The first is a tea strainer (Cuillère passe-thé), featuring a deep, hollowed-out design approximately 2 cm in depth. It effectively catches loose tea leaves when pouring, making it a highly representative piece of late 19th-century French tea culture. The second is a dessert server (cuillère à dessert / service à fruits), with delicate leaf motifs hand-engraved onto the mirrored serving surface. It is perfectly suited for serving fruits, tarts, pastries, or light cream desserts, and was widely used in aristocratic salons of the era. The overall style embodies the rich Neoclassical aesthetics of the Louis XVI period: Laurel wreaths, oval cartouches, symmetrical embossing, complemented by fine linear fluting, all contribute to the elegant restraint and opulent details characteristic of the Belle Époque. The three-dimensional relief on the handles is sharp and clear, with clean, layered lines that showcase the high level of skill from the old artisans. Whether for collection, French-style photography, afternoon tea settings, or paired with porcelain dessert plates and silver trays, this set evokes the classic French Belle Époque atmosphere. Displayed in a cabinet, the soft luster of the sterling silver and the intricate relief create a visually artistic effect. ⸻ 📏 Dimensions • Dessert server: 20.6 cm • Tea strainer: 18.3 cm • Handles are hallmarked with French Minerva sterling silver marks; serving surfaces are silver-plated, with goldsmith marks. ⸻ The set is in good overall condition, as is the box, and is functional for use. However, as an antique from the late 19th to early 20th century, the surface may exhibit minor signs of age. Those who prefer absolute perfection should consider this carefully.