12 silver-plated mocha spoons, St. Médard, in a gift box, mid-20th century

Set of 12 silver-plated mocha spoons with "Russian-style" handles. Hallmark indicating 12 grs for the quality of the plating, and a hallmark featuring a coat of arms and a crozier flanked by the initials “S.M.” for the Saint Médard silversmithy (see description below).
In good overall condition, with minor scratches from use and some wear on the case.
Dated to the mid-20th century.
Case dimensions: H 3.5 x W 15.4 x D 10 cm; spoon: L 11 x W 2 cm

The Saint-Médard silversmithy is part of the great French tradition of tableware and silver-plated metalwork in the 20th century.
Its history is closely tied to the industrial expertise of the Oise region, particularly in Bornel, which, by the end of the 19th century, had become a major center for the manufacture and processing of metals intended primarily for silversmithing. A factory founded in 1893 by Augustin Vermand was relocated there in 1926 and went on to become a major center for metalworking and silversmithing.
Saint-Médard produces silver-plated tableware, combining industrial manufacturing techniques with a decorative style inspired by the great French styles. Its products range from classic and rocaille designs to more understated forms.
The company is particularly known for its cutlery sets and tableware, including coffee and mocha spoons, table cutlery, and various serving pieces.
Silver-plated metal thus captures the visual elegance of silverware while making it more accessible. The pieces are generally identifiable by the company’s hallmarks and the indication of the silver-plating weight, which corresponds to the amount of silver deposited on the metal.
The twelve mocha spoons presented here are particularly representative of this refined art of the table: their small size was intended for serving coffee or mocha. The fact that they come in a set of twelve also reflects the tradition of serving sets designed for large dining tables and trousseaus.
A beautiful illustration of French craftsmanship in tableware, where the elegance of the design blends with the functionality and refinement of silver-plated metal.

Ref: VTG6XNZCTB