{1862 Christofle Sugar Sifter Spoon 'Filet Violon'}

This is probably the oldest piece that I do have at my Zen Cart powered on line boutique: Mariette's Back to Basics, 1862 French Christofle Sugar Sifter Spoon 'Filet Violon' a very rare and perfect Christofle Sugar Sifter Spoon from 1862 in the Filet Violon pattern. Also you can find the same antique Christofle Sugar Sifter Spoon at the French Ministère de la Culture. Scroll down to number 26 for about the same piece with mention that it is from the 2nd half of the 19th century. These designs are still from Charles Christofle, hence the C C hallmark with his initials (see the closeup on this antique sifter spoon all the way down). Poor Charles died at the age of 58, only 5 years after Emperor Napoleon III appointed Charles Christofle official purveyor to the court. You can read about the Charles Christofle A Visionary. By the way, this 'Filet' pattern is still available from Christofle in a new style, that also looks like the old 'Violon' violin shape. See the Christofle Chinon. See link further down below...

The beautifully pierced French Christofle sugar sifter spoon, together with some of my private collection.

The center one is an antique French one that is gilded.

In the back you see a silver muffineer.

Here the 1862 Christofle Sugar Sifter Spoon is turned upside down.

You also see my tennis tea cup & saucer set from Royal Albert Princess Anne which is available from Replacements Ltd.

Beautiful piercing!

The one upside down is similar at the handle, like the Christofle Sugar Sifter Spoon I got... Just saved this from an old Southern Accents magazine. How I MISS this classy magazine...

Meanwhile I am the lucky owner of the hardcover book: The Epicurean Collector: Exploring the World of Culinary Antiques by Patrick Dunne from Luculluss Antiques in New Orleans, who did write this book together with the Editors of Southern Accents. This photo is on page 42. Available at amazon.

Showing you the details and our blueberries from July 11, in a Royal Doulton English Rose bowl, also available at Replacements Ltd.

The present 'Chinon' cutlery by Christofle pattern looks similar too!

The Charles Christofle hallmark in this 1862 Sugar Sifter Spoon 'Filet Violon'

Sorry Sold out...

{Sad that ONLY on June 10 we had some 'Oma Roses'...}

In a previous blog of Saturday, May 8, 2010: 3 Most Prized Roses; from my Paternal Grandmother I did introduce you to this very special rose. This year however, due to extreme heat and drought, we lost most of our fragrant roses. For the first time ever; no vases with flowers from the garden... Let's hope that next year will be better, even if we have to start all over with our roses. I've been looking already for a replacement of our roses: Jardins de Bagatelle but no luck. If anyone knows where they would be available in the USA or Canada, please let me know! So here are this year's early roses from my Paternal Grandmother or 'Oma Roses' as we call them. You can click on the above blog link to learn more. Those treasured roses are planted where I keep my ROSE STEPPING STONES as an honor.

Even though those perfect roses have been nibbled on by some insect it looks like...

Would anyone know the name of these 'old' roses? They are not fragrant but rather large blooming.

Guess it was not the Bee that made those holes...

Whatever; Bee Happy!

{French Brocante Louis XV Style Inkwells & Letter Holder}

Last night after having finished my blog round, I spotted in my sidebar a photo on Mimi Blue's blog of Bonjour Romance with the title Inkwells.  I had to open my eyes wide in disbelief. The very same Inkwells and Letter Holder that I have at my Zen Cart powered on line boutique: Mariette's Back to Basics. What a chance for finding in France two alike! And even more so, for spotting them on Blogger... Have a look at mine below and get inspired for your own personalized writing.

Two ink wells, one on each side. Pen tray below and letter holder above.

Time to get out the ink and fountain pen and write a letter on cotton stationery from Crane & Co, Pineider Firenze 1774 or G. Lalo.

Sold out...