Delicate Louis XVI Style Antique Silver Asparagus Tongs By A Debain

A delicate and lovely Antique French Silver Asparagus Tongs decorated in the Louis XVI Style by Maître Orfèvre Alphonse Debain.

The ‘Main Pince’ or an Antique French Silver Asparagus Tongs, was created by the Maitre Orfèvre Alphonse DEBAIN in Paris.
He created this model to be presented at the 1889 World Trade Fair in Paris.

The tongue has a beautiful ‘cutaway’ detail with floral and foliage scrolls decorating its side.
This piece was actually patented by Debain and won a prize during the 1889 Exposition Universelle.
It fits perfectly in the hand and is in good condition with the spring located in the hinged joint still working well.
The center medallion bears an LM monogram.
Though it is meant to serve Asparagus it may also be used as a bread or pastry server.

The Hallmark is Minerve 1 -1st title (950/1000)- Hence 1838 to 1919 – Paris

The Makers Mark is for Alphonse Debain.
Alphonse DEBAIN was the son of Alphonse Edouard DEBAIN and his Mark was registered on March 19th 1883.
It was cancelled (biffé) on March 8th 1911.

France 19th Century c.H: 3.97"W: 4"Reference number: CC-233