What-is-it question CXCIX

[dognose]

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.

[oel]

To serve butter ?

Oel

[dognose]

Hi Oel,

No, not butter.

Trev.

[silverly]

Maybe something to do with crêpes?

[dognose]

Hi Silverly,

No, nothing to do with crêpes.

Trev.

[Francais]

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

[dognose]

Hi Maurice,

No, nothing to do with petits fours.

Trev.

[Francais]

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

[dognose]

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.

[oel]

Ice cream spade?

Best,

Oel.

[JayT]

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.

[dognose]

Hi JayT,

You win again!

Christofle described the piece as a Pelle a pâté



Well done,

Trev.

[JayT]

Always a pleasure Trev.