French 19th Century, Maker NV, 800 Silver Gold Gilt Tea Caddy Spoon

French in origin, this piece is stamped with a (miniscule) "boar's head" guarantee mark on the inside (left, with the handle facing up) edge of the bowl, with a corresponding "bigorne" counter stamp on the backside, indicating is to an 800 silver standard (something less than American coin silver).

The maker's mark is on the flanking edge of the bowl and reads "N V in a caret," with a "star" below the V and a "star and crescent" above it.

A tea caddy spoon, this measures 4 7/16" long and weighs .55 T. oz.

The handle resembles a scepter with a crowned top and line, star, and dot engraved detailing along the length of the shaft, which ends in a leaf form where it joins the bowl.

Characteristic of tea caddy spoons, the ovoid bowl is essentially a shallow scoop, and is oversized relative to the piece as a whole.

It is engraved on its inside edges in a line and dot motif that replicates the design on the handle.

The entire piece is finished in bright gold gilding on all surfaces front and back.

Likely dating from the late 19th century, and never monogrammed or inscribed, this remains in flawless, effectively original, condition, absent damage or loss of the gold.