Emile Puriforcat Sterling (What is it?)

[lindacomox]

Came across this piece of sterling, can identify EP (maker), Minerva No. 1 (Paris), and another mark that resembles some sort of unidentified insect. Have seen this type of piece called asparagus server, pastry server, gripper.

Would like to know identity of piece, approx. date of piece, and any other information you may glean from the piece.
The 3 marks are stamped on both sides of the item. I have only shown both of the "insect" pics. Thanks.

[Zilver2]

Hello,
In order to prevent and detect fraud of hallmarked silver articles, French authorities instituted by Ordinance of 1st July 1818, a system of countermarks on the opposite side of the guarantee mark. These countermarks are known as 'bigornes'.
The term bigorne literally means two-horned anvil and refers to the shape of the projecting ends of the anvil. Each anvil has two striking areas, one flat and one of rounded shape. The rounded horn served to mark hollowware and the flat horn was used to mark flatware.
The projected ends of the small anvil were intricately engraved with varied and finaly drawn representations of insects. The silver article was placed on the beak/horn of the steel anvil and when the guarantee mark was struck, the force of the strike created a counter-impression of insects on the underside of the article against the anvil. For this reason a bogrne mark will be found opposite the guarantee mark.
The system was improved by a decree of 30th June 1835 (modified in December 1846), because the insects were engraved aligned in relief and separated by parallel zigzag moulded borders. This series was further distinguished by having one set for Paris and another set for the provinces. For Paris the insects are shown in profile and for the provinces the insects are shown in bird's eye view.
The use of these countermarks was abrogated on 16 July 1984.
Regards

[lavenderhoney]

Hi, This is an asparagus server. There were many types of servers designed specifically for asparagus and it all depended on the type of plating one used on the table. There were long handled tongs, grippers such as this one, smaller tongs used for single servings, and a large curved blade with a sturdy handle for scooping larger portions. I hope this helps!