French sterling silver soup serving ladle. Solid, thick gauge silver with a good weight in hand. Featuring a classic handle decorated with acanthus foliage, oak leaves and acorns. Monogrammed DB or BD. A sturdy piece of thick solid silver, weighs 211.6 grams. Measures 12 1/2" length with a 3 1/2" diameter bowl. Hallmarked with 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). Maker's marks for silversmith Charles Tirbour, active from 1897 at 8 rue des Haudriette, Paris. In good condition with general wear from use. View our other listings for matching pieces in this pattern.