Antique Art Nouveau French sterling silver over the cup tea strainer. Finely decorated in repousse and intricately chased with a stunning pattern of thistle flowers and scrolling foliage surrounding a finely pierced bowl. The handle exhibits stunning detail and finesse, decorated with thistle, leaves and rocailles. Measures 5 3/4" length. Weighs 44.9 grams. 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 higher grade than the standard .925 for sterling). Also bearing marks for notable silversmith Victor Boivin, active from 1897 at 5 rue de Montmorency in Paris. In overall good condition with general wear commensurate with use and age.