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

Children's fork and spoon, birth or baptism gift, numbered with the monogram "MR", in 1st grade solid silver, Ernest Prost goldsmith's house in Paris (7 rue de Réaumur), Art Deco, 1920s-1930s. Monogram intaglio on the back of the handle of both pieces of cutlery: "MR". Master goldsmith'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 items are geometric in design, with balanced proportions and straight, simple lines. The mathematical sobriety and optimized functionality of the objects form 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 items are witnesses 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 his baptism, to mark that he was lucky enough to have been born into a wealthy environment, hence the expression "To be born with a silver spoon in your mouth". A solid silver cup, numbered with the same monogram "MR" and probably part of this same baptismal gift, is for sale in my shop.