Solid silver fork and spoon Ernest Prost Paris, 1920s-1930s

Child's fork and spoon, birth or christening gift, numbered with the monogram "MR", in 1st grade solid silver, Ernest Prost silversmith's house in Paris (7 rue de Réaumur), Art Deco, 1920s-1930s. Monogram intaglio on the back of the handle of both cutlery: "MR". Master silversmith's mark with the initials "EP", a gaiter and a star (Ernest Prost, active from 1923 to 1963). 1st Grade Minerva mark (925 ‰ silver). Fork: length 16.9 cm; width 2.3 cm; thickness 2.2 cm. Spoon: length 16.9 cm; width 3.5 cm; thickness 2.5 cm. Total weight: 101 g (silver price on May 24, 2024: 1 g = €0.91). Used condition. These stylized cutlery pieces are geometric in design, with balanced proportions and simple, straight lines. The mathematical sobriety and optimized functionality of the objects formed the main principles at the start of the creations of the famous Parisian goldsmiths of the time, conforming to the new Art Deco style. These precious metal cutlery pieces bear witness to an ancient, centuries-old practice in bourgeois and wealthy families: the godfather or godmother offered a silver spoon to their godson, on the occasion of their baptism, to mark that they were lucky enough to be born into a wealthy environment, hence the expression "To be born with a silver spoon in the mouth". A solid silver cup, engraved with the same monogram "MR" and likely part of this same baptism gift, is for sale in my shop.