Maker's mark on sugar tongs

[Alain]

I tried to find the name of the maker of these sugar tongs, but so far i had no luck.
Maker's initials are "L", than what i think is a bell, and than "M"

Can someone help me out?
Thank you.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/27 ... good-times

[admin]

Hi Alain,
If the center symbol is a thimble (un dé à coudre), it could be the mark of Lucien Marchant, Paris after 1886.
Regards, Tom

[Bahner]

Helllo, looks more like the helmet of a French private (poilu), in which case LM is Louis Mazoye from Paris. No dates, I'm afraid. Best wishes, Bahner

[admin]

Hi Bahner,
Yes, a soldier's helmet is a better match. It is interesting that http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/inventai/patrimoine/
lists Mazoye with the mark of a knife handle above a sun from 1911-1919.
"Poincons d'Orfevrie" lists him with the "casque de poilu" symbol and no dates. Perhaps he changed his symbol in 1919 to commemorate his wartime service or that of a family member?

Regards, Tom