Unknown hallmark, Found in France

[lockeashe]

Hi, This hallmark has me puzzled As I know the general hallmarks in france and this one does not match.
Its on what appears to be a silver Jardinier (Table centerpiece) located on one of 4 legs. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Francais]

Fascinating. Does is say Minerve or Minerva? I have seen the Paris stamp, somewhere before, but can't remember where. It seems odd they could get away with a sort of odd copy of the solid silver mark. If they did, they should still have the legitimate plate mark somewhere on the piece, in a small square. Are you sure there are no other marks?
Maurice

[lockeashe]

This is where it has confused me, other than the marks shown the piece is completely unmarked. As you say it does bear resemblance to a correct solid silver mark, but there are no plate marks or other guarantee marks.The wording in the shield appears to read Minerv only, It has me stumped.

[Francais]

I doubt it will help, but could we see a picture of the whole item? It has to be either Minerve or Minerva, presumably the former, as the mark obviously continues to the right to be balanced. I have, as mentioned, seen the Paris part of the mark, but really can't remember where, obviously the piece wasn't memorable. I am very surprised there are no other marks, I hope you looked absolutely everywhere, bottom of the feet, etc.? I can only remember seeing a few pieces of French plate that didn't conform to the rules, two of which I still have. A very nice looking pair of candlesticks, marked France on the bottom and a non-conforming maker's mark on the side. They are of very poor quality plate. The other is a pair of candelabra, obviously good French style, of very superior quality plate, but completely un-marked, but also very similar to a pair of marked ones by Christofle.
Maurice