What age is this insect spoon?

Silver plate spoon, Avignon souvenir, stamped Metal blanc and 12 with a curious insect bug to top of handle and leaf and twig moulding

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on age, just got a feel it is not a modern one.

 

Any marks on the back behind the bug???

 

French marks are in the bowl of the spoon.

 

No, just the ones to the bowl.

 

We've seen other "twig and leaf" souvenir spoons but at this early hour (pre-breakfast time here) I don't recall whether we've pegged a date on any. My best guess would be early 1900's, possibly a tad earlier.

 

Cicada.

 

Really. A memento of Avignon.

 

1878 seems to be the earliest "metal blanc" was used.
http://www.ascasonline.org/articolomarz180.html
The number 12 might suggest 1912.
Cheers
Stephen

 

Bit later here about, not quite 3pm. Time for you to get some breakfast, the bug will not be moving much today.

 

Totally OT - Thank you Rhiwfield - that's my 20,000th like!

The 12 is not in date in the French system - it's an indicator of the amount of silver used in the plating.

 

Yaay!

 

Thanks for the link.

My spoon also has a coffee bean under the bug

 

Really? Must be hiding under the wings. I don't see it.

 

It forms part of the top of the spoon on which the bug is sitting

 

Not as welcome in Provence as they perhaps used to be, they seem to be an increasing crop pest

 

The pest that destroys the lavender is a small cicada called cicadelle.
The Provençal cicada is big and still a symbol of Provence. The traditional Mireille dress can't be worn without a 'cigalo' or cicada brooch on the kerchief:

 

Thank AJ, that is beautiful!

 

Ca, c'est une cigale Provencale. Une signe de bonne chance dans cette region.