Good evening,
I have a few questions regarding an antique pair of ice tongs.
The presence of four hallmarks indicates that the item is of French manufacture—is that correct?
What is its market value?
If a spoon, a fork, and two types of serving slices—all bearing the same four hallmarks—are also included, is the total value of the set higher than if the items were sold individually?
Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help.
The number of silver hallmarks on a piece is not what matters; rather, it is which hallmarks the piece bears and what they signify. The ice tongs shown feature a hexagonal tête de Mercure (Mercury’s head) mark, indicating they are of French origin, made of 950-grade silver and intended for export.
When dealing with precious metals, weight is a factor that determines the base value; however, the maker—along with the item’s age, rarity, and utility—can also add significant value to the piece.
Ernest Compère.
Tous les produits de l’Orfèvre EC : COMPERE Ernest - a rabbit - Louise Antiquités
Thank you very much.
Thanks a lot, nordicoxxx
U welcome, Renny! _________________
Without your help, I wouldn’t have been able to date my item with certainty; you are very professional—thanks again!
I’d like to ask for one last piece of advice: would pairing the ice tongs with other tableware items from the same lot increase the overall value compared to selling each item individually?
This large spoon belongs to the same set as the ice tongs, though I do not know its purpose.
It measures 24 cm in length and 8.5 cm in width. What is it used for?
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