This is a hallmarked French 950 Silver Manche a Gigot or leg of lamb bone holder, with a high relief repousse Silver handle & a plated, screw action, bone holder, & dating to around 1880 - 90.

The Manche a Gigot is a classic French tool used to secure a leg of lamb while carving. The holder is placed over the shank or bone & tightened, which allows the leg to be held whilst carving / serving.

The Silver handle has a wonderful, high relief repousse design to both sides consisting of scrolling Acanthus, a Tudor Rose finial, & with each side having a vacant, unfurled scroll cartouche to the centre.

The handle is hallmarked to one side with the Minerva Head (950 standard Silver) & a partial makers mark (the Minerva Head has been deeply struck twice, giving it a slight 'shadow', & this has removed half of the makers lozenge. The remaining makers initial looks to be a C or G - please see magnified photo).

The plated bone holder has a 'crown' top, four interior spikes, & is fitted with a collar & a trefoil handled screw.

The Manche a Gigot is in full working order. The Silver handle is Fine, with absolutely no damage or significant wear, but there is some plate loss & corrosion to the surface of the plated holder - consistent with it's 130 years & easily re-plated.

The overall length is approx 8 1/2" or 21.7 cm.