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What-is-it question CXCIX

I doubt this one will last the day, but here goes:

A product from the Christofle range of 1883:



What type of food was this piece used for serving?

Trev.

To serve butter ?

Oel

Hi Oel,

No, not butter.

Trev.

Maybe something to do with crêpes?

Hi Silverly,

No, nothing to do with crêpes.

Trev.

OK I'll bite, a pelle a petits fours?
Maurice

Hi Maurice,

No, nothing to do with petits fours.

Trev.

This probably isn't a fair question, but how long is it?
Maurice

Hi Maurice,

It is a fair question, but unfortunately one I can't answer. The catalogue illustration that I have is tiny, and I've enlarged it as much as I can without too much loss of detail.

I would estimate it as 5"- 6" (13cm - 15cm), but don't hold me to it.

Trev.

Ice cream spade?

Best,

Oel.

This appears to be a foie gras server. They usually came in a set with a serving fork. The spade with a beveled terminal end was used to cut the foie gras, and then the fork was used to lift the slice onto the diner's plate. A full discussion of French hors d'oeuvre services can be found in an article on the website of the Silver Society of Canada.

Hi JayT,

You win again!

Christofle described the piece as a Pelle a pâté



Well done,

Trev.

Always a pleasure Trev.