Antique French sterling silver gilt vermeil over the cup tea strainer. Decorated with elegant Empire styling, including neoclassical leaf and dart pattern surrounding a finely pierced bowl, topped by an intricate palmette finial. The handle decorated with rosettes and palmettes. Monogrammed with interlaced initials CC. Finished in exquisite gold vermeil. In overall good condition. The hallmark is partially rubbed, but that of the French Minerve 1st standard mark, which guaranteed the finest quality French sterling silver of .950/1000 purity in use from 1838 (95% pure silver and a higher grade than the standard .925 for sterling). Measures 6 1/4" length x 2 5/8" diameter. Weighs 49.5 grams.