Refined Antique French Silver Asparagus Tongs By Queille~Sold~

A very refined Antique French Silver Asparagus Tongs by ‘Maître Orfèvre’ Pierre François QUEILLE.

It is a very pure and very simple, yet superbly elegant, twist to the ‘Main Pince’ or Asparagus Tongs.
An elegant acanthus leaf line frames the solid silver cutout, and is finished by a very pure acanthus leaf design at the upper center of the piece.
The lower part of the tongs shows a laurel leaf garland cut out topped by a ribbon and the handle is decorated with a GW Monogram.

It fits perfectly in the hand and is in very good condition.
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) -1838-1919 – Paris

The Makers Mark is for Pierre François QUEILLE. His mark was registered on October 23rd 1834. The Makers Mark showed a P and a Q separated by an Antique Oar.

He started a dynasty of Master Silversmith in 1834 and stayed in business from 1834, to the 27th of November 1846 (Date his mark was cancelled) ,
Pierre François QUEILLE had his worshop at ’70 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre in Paris’.

He left over his practice to his son Eugene QUEILLE who moved the shop to ‘8 Rue Saint Roch Poissonière’. He started work on February 11th 1847.
He then in turn left over his practice to his son: Pierre François QUEILLE who was named after his grandfather.
They moved their practice in 1874 to ’11 Rue des Petits Carreaux in Paris’.
Their production was sold by other Master Silvermiths as well, and they collaborated with several bigger names as the House of ODIOT and the House of FROMENT MEURICE.
Their House stopped production in 1930.

H: 6.41"W: 3.14"Reference number: CC-132