Gorgeous Antique Silver Asparagus Tongs By Aucoc~Sold~

An Absolutely Gorgeous Antique French Silver Asparagus Tongs by André AUCOC.

While we usually love to display the Main Pince or Asparagus tongs created in a quirkier shape by Alphonse Debain, we fell in love with the stylishness and the sheer beauty of this more regular Asparagus Tongs created by André AUCOC.
The tongs shown here have a beautiful cut out décor on the tongs part, while the handle is decorated with a simple acanthus leaf curling around.
The gorgeous cutaway work shows the wonderful craftmanship of the house of Aucoc.
It fits wonderfully in the hand and is in exquisite condition, no losses or marks.
Though it is meant to serve Asparagus, it may also be used as a bread or pastry server!
The MB Monogram is done in 18 carat gold…

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

The Makers Mark is for André AUCOC. It shows two A’s topped by a Rooster.
His first Mark was registered 1887 and cancelled in 1911.

The mark deserves a little more explanation’s as it was one of the most outstanding amongst the French Master Silversmiths.
Casimir AUCOC first registered his mark in 1821, the creator of the Aucoc dynasty which he headquartered at 154 rue Saint Honore.
The company then moved in 1835 to 6 rue de la Paix, where it stayed until 1936.
From 1836 to 1856 it was managed by Jean Baptiste AUCOC who had taken over from his father.
He was later followed by Louis AUCOC who took over starting 1856, before handing the management of the company to Andre AUCOC in 1887.
The company was famous for its outstanding larger pieces which beautifully and expertly reproduced the styles of the past centuries.
In 1839 it obtained its first silver medal in one of the first versions of the Universal Exposition to be held in Paris.
It continued collecting medals in 1844, then 1855 and 1867 at the Paris Universal Exposition.
Under André AUCOC the company took home the Gold medal in 1889 and 1900 and was one of the laureate at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (more commonly known as the St Louis World Fair) in 1904 in Missouri!

W: 1.88/ L10.47"Reference number: SF-162