Antique French Silver-Gilt Sauce Ladle in Original Morenne Fils Bordeaux Box, c.1900

An elegant antique French silver and silver-gilt sauce or condiment ladle, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century and presented in its original fitted box bearing the name Morenne Fils, Bordeaux.

The ladle features a warm gilt serving bowl and a finely decorated handle enriched with floral and foliate scroll ornament. The contrast between the silver handle and gold-toned bowl creates a refined decorative effect, while the compact proportions make the piece suitable for serving sauces, condiments or accompaniments at the dining table.

The fitted fabric-lined presentation box is shaped specifically to hold the ladle and retains the Morenne Fils, Bordeaux retailer label. Its survival adds both visual appeal and collector interest, as small antique serving pieces were frequently separated from their original cases over time.

A small partially worn French guarantee punch and a separate partly struck maker’s mark are visible near the junction of the handle and stem. The marks are consistent with French silver of at least .800 fineness, although the individual silversmith cannot be identified with certainty from the surviving punches.

Details

Item: Antique sauce ladle or condiment ladle

Maker: Unidentified French silversmith

Retailer / Presentation Box: Morenne Fils, Bordeaux

Origin: France

Period: Late 19th to early 20th century, likely circa 1900

Material: French silver, apparently minimum .800 fineness, with gilt bowl

Marks: Small partially worn French guarantee punch and separate partly struck maker’s mark near the handle junction

Decoration: Floral and foliate scroll ornament with gilt serving bowl

Length: Approx. 15 cm

Weight: 32.1 grams total

Presentation: Original fitted fabric-lined box bearing the name Morenne Fils, Bordeaux

Condition

Very good antique condition with light surface wear and patina consistent with age and careful previous use. The gilt bowl retains an attractive warm finish. The original fitted box shows age-related storage wear and marks, as expected. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical and Collector Context

Small French silver sauce and condiment ladles formed part of formal table settings during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their compact size made them suitable for serving sauces, relishes and accompaniments.

The original Morenne Fils, Bordeaux presentation box adds an appealing regional French connection and enhances the collector value of the piece. The surviving French silver punches support its identification as a genuine period serving utensil while remaining too worn for a definitive maker attribution.

Please Note

All items are vintage or antique and may show light signs of age. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description. Feel free to message with any questions prior to purchase.