Antique Belle Epoque era French sterling silver tea strainer basket. The little basket is inserted into the pouring spout of your teapot to catch escaping tea leaves. Richly decorated repousse features scrolling acanthus, lattice, and rocailles framing an asymmetrical cartouche bearing a monogram of interlaced initials CM. In overall good condition with general wear commensurate with age and use. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark to denote a silver content of .950/1000. Maker's marks for silversmith Henri Gabert, 1882-1901 at 112 rue de Turenne, Paris. Hallmarked with the French head of the wild boar on the handle. The tea strainer basket measures 2 1/2" diameter x 1 1/8" height, with the handles measures 4 5/8" total height. Weighs 20.4 grams.