Henin & Cie Pattern with a cast monogram NB

[AndrewLowe]

Picked this up the other day and its driving me nuts. Was in with a few pieces of plate and I wasn't sure if it was plate or solid but the fact that it had a monogram cast into the design made me think it might be hotel ware or something similar. But I can not track it down. Has the typical H&Cie and the .950 Minerva. And that's about all I've got at the moment. Its a large fork, 8.5 inches long and rather heavy. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[amena]

Are you sure that the monogram is cast together and not welded on?
I have some cutlery with the monogram welded on.
Regards
Amena

[zilverik]

Hi,

Does not look like hotelware to me. On the photo the marks are fuzzy, but looks indeed as good solid French silver with owners initials.

Regards,

Zilverik

[AndrewLowe]

Hi,

Does not look like hotelware to me. On the photo the marks are fuzzy, but looks indeed as good solid French silver with owners initials.

Regards,

Zilverik

I'm sure it is, however I was attempting to find out the pattern. While it is possible that the monogram was added after the fork was made, I still can not find any other examples of this particular pattern.

[JayT]

Hello - I'd be very surprised if this is hotel ware. You'd have to frisk both clients and staff if the tableware were real silver in a hotel or restaurant setting. Even the great French luxury liners used silver plate in their first-class dining rooms.
That said, David Allan illustrates 6 chop holders in this pattern on p.144 of his book on French nineteenth century flatware. He states it is a Louis XVI neoclassical style pattern, typical of the end of the nineteenth century. To get the exact pattern name, you'd have to go to a trade journal or find a company catalogue.
Hope this helps.

[SRoberts]

Andrew,

I have 2 large spoons and 2 large forks with this exact same pattern with the monogram NB. They match your photo exactly. They were in a box of sterling flatware I received from my Dad. I see these replies to your post are from 2015. Would love to hear if you have any more information about where these came from and what the NB stands for. Sarah

[dognose]

Hi Sarah,

Welcome to the Forum.

Please post some clearer images of at least your marks as this my well lead to the answer you are seeking.

Trev.