| Absinthe Spoons |
Antique perforated spoons for use with absinthe are prized collectors items. There are hundreds of variants, some issued to
commemorate historic events like the opening of the Eiffel Tower in 1889, some representing intertwined absinthe leaves, others
with engraved advertising for one of the famous brands of the day. Almost all have been exhaustively catalogued by Marie Claude
Delahaye, the leading French authority on absinthe and absinthiana, and the author of numerous books on the subject.
Absinthe spoons were made in a wide variety of shapes and materials such as tin, nickel and silver (solid and plated), depending on
the type of establishment were they were to be used. Sometimes the spoons bore the name or imprint of the manufacturer such as
Gombault or Christofle and occasionally the name of a brand of absinthe or the bar where they were used. Some of the designs are
quite common, whilst others are very rare indeed - and this is reflected in the prices.
There is some debate amongst absinthe historians as to exactly when the use of special perforated spoons for absinthe began.
Absinthe was drunk with the addition of both water and sugar from at least the 1850's, and probably earlier. It was by no means
unique in this respect - 19th century drinkers had a far sweeter tooth when it came to alcohol than we have today, and other drinks
and cordials were also regularly sweetened with sugar. They were usually served with a long cordial spoon or a kind of swizzle
stick, to help dissolve the sugar.The use of a perforated spoon specifically for absinthe was a later development, which appears to
have originated in the 1870's and only became widespread in the 1880's and 1890's. From the 1890's onwards, it seems, on the
evidence of existing engravings and cartoons, that almost all absinthes in bars and cafés were served with a perforated spoon. True
absinthe spoons were of course not manufactured after 1915 when the drink was banned in France, although similar perforated
spoons continued to be produced for use with liqueurs d'anis and drinks like Picon and Bitter Secrestat.
Faked absinthe spoons are an ever increasing problem, especially on eBay, and collectors should exercise great caution in buying
from unverified sources. Every spoon sold by Absinthe Originals is unconditionally guaranteed authentic, and a formal
photo-certificate of authenticity will be provided if required, at no additional cost.
If you do not see the spoon that you require please ask - it may be in stock. The prices quoted all INCLUDE worldwide shipping.
commemorate historic events like the opening of the Eiffel Tower in 1889, some representing intertwined absinthe leaves, others
with engraved advertising for one of the famous brands of the day. Almost all have been exhaustively catalogued by Marie Claude
Delahaye, the leading French authority on absinthe and absinthiana, and the author of numerous books on the subject.
Absinthe spoons were made in a wide variety of shapes and materials such as tin, nickel and silver (solid and plated), depending on
the type of establishment were they were to be used. Sometimes the spoons bore the name or imprint of the manufacturer such as
Gombault or Christofle and occasionally the name of a brand of absinthe or the bar where they were used. Some of the designs are
quite common, whilst others are very rare indeed - and this is reflected in the prices.
There is some debate amongst absinthe historians as to exactly when the use of special perforated spoons for absinthe began.
Absinthe was drunk with the addition of both water and sugar from at least the 1850's, and probably earlier. It was by no means
unique in this respect - 19th century drinkers had a far sweeter tooth when it came to alcohol than we have today, and other drinks
and cordials were also regularly sweetened with sugar. They were usually served with a long cordial spoon or a kind of swizzle
stick, to help dissolve the sugar.The use of a perforated spoon specifically for absinthe was a later development, which appears to
have originated in the 1870's and only became widespread in the 1880's and 1890's. From the 1890's onwards, it seems, on the
evidence of existing engravings and cartoons, that almost all absinthes in bars and cafés were served with a perforated spoon. True
absinthe spoons were of course not manufactured after 1915 when the drink was banned in France, although similar perforated
spoons continued to be produced for use with liqueurs d'anis and drinks like Picon and Bitter Secrestat.
Faked absinthe spoons are an ever increasing problem, especially on eBay, and collectors should exercise great caution in buying
from unverified sources. Every spoon sold by Absinthe Originals is unconditionally guaranteed authentic, and a formal
photo-certificate of authenticity will be provided if required, at no additional cost.
If you do not see the spoon that you require please ask - it may be in stock. The prices quoted all INCLUDE worldwide shipping.
A small selection of the many
spoons in stock.
Common patterns start from
$35, while scarcer patterns
might be several hundred
dollars, and the very rarest
several thousand dollars.
spoons in stock.
Common patterns start from
$35, while scarcer patterns
might be several hundred
dollars, and the very rarest
several thousand dollars.
| * Authentic Original Vintage Absinthe Spoons: Rated One Star in MC Delahaye's "Les Cuilleres" Catalogue. |
We have a range of these sought after spoons in stock. All of them are antique originals dating, unless otherwise indicated, from
the 1890 - 1915 era, and all are in very good to fine condition. Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
The prices quoted include worldwide shipping.
the 1890 - 1915 era, and all are in very good to fine condition. Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
The prices quoted include worldwide shipping.
| ** Authentic Original Vintage Absinthe Spoons: Rated Two Stars in MC Delahaye's "Les Cuilleres" Catalogue. |
We have a range of these scarce spoons in stock. All of them are antique originals dating from the 1890 - 1915 era, and
all are in very good to fine condition. Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
The prices quoted include worldwide shipping.
all are in very good to fine condition. Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
The prices quoted include worldwide shipping.
| *** Authentic Original Vintage Absinthe Spoons: Three Star Rarities |
The following rare spoons are available ex stock,.
The spoons are all in very good to fine condition. Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
The prices quoted include worldwide shipping.
The spoons are all in very good to fine condition. Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
The prices quoted include worldwide shipping.
| **** Authentic Original Vintage Absinthe Spoons and Brouilleurs: Major Rarities Rated Four or Five Stars. |
The following very rare spoons and brouilleurs are available ex stock. The spoons are all in very good to fine condition.
Please email us to confirm availability in advance.
Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
The prices quoted include worldwide shipping.
Please email us to confirm availability in advance.
Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
The prices quoted include worldwide shipping.
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Description: Les Grilles #12***
Condition: Very good.
Price: £235
Condition: Very good.
Price: £235
Description: Les Trous #8
Condition: Very good.
Price: £30
Condition: Very good.
Price: £30
Description: Les Carres #13
Condition: Very good.
Price: £40
Condition: Very good.
Price: £40
Description: Les Losange Incurves #5
Condition: Very good.
Price: £35
Condition: Very good.
Price: £35
Description: Les Losanges Etires #1
Condition: Very good.
Price: £35
Condition: Very good.
Price: £35
Description: Les Fleches #3
Condition: Very good, outstanding classic spoon.
Price: £35
Condition: Very good, outstanding classic spoon.
Price: £35
Description: Les Trous #25
Most likely 1910 - 1930
Condition: Very good.
Price: £55
Most likely 1910 - 1930
Condition: Very good.
Price: £55
Description: Les Goutes #2
Condition: Very good.
Price: £55
Condition: Very good.
Price: £55
Description: Les Losanges #26
Condition: Very good.
Price: £55
Condition: Very good.
Price: £55
Description: Les Losanges #39 "Langue de chat"
Condition: Very good.
Price: £65
Condition: Very good.
Price: £65
Description: Les Trous #4***
Condition: Very good.
Price: £125
Condition: Very good.
Price: £125
Description: Les Crois Suisse #1***
Condition: Very good.
Price: SOLD
Condition: Very good.
Price: SOLD
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Description: Les Etoiles #2 with Gombault poincon.
Condition: Very good. A wonderful spoon!
Price: SOLD OUT
Condition: Very good. A wonderful spoon!
Price: SOLD OUT
Les Tours Eiffel #8 "Grande Roue"
One of the very greatest of all absinthe spoon rarites. In Madame Delahaye's "L'Absinthe - Les Cuilleres" this
spoon receives the highest 5 star classification: Rarissime *****
The spoon measures 164mm in length, and shows the Eiffel Tower, as well as the ferris wheel erected in
Paris as part of the 1900 Exposition.
The spoon is made from an unusually light and thin silver-plated metal. It is in overall good condition, with
slight traces of wear as you would expect, and a few corrosion spots, particularly on the tower (as visible in
the photos).
I guarantee the authenticity of the spoon without question, and will provide a photo-certificate of authenticity.
5 star spoons are of the utmost rarity, and are almost never offered on the open market. This spoon in
addition has a truly spectacular and striking design, and belongs to the most sought after of all spoon
categories - Les Tours Eiffel. I'm only aware of two other examples of this spoon, one of which is in a
museum.
A rare and unrepeatable opportunity for the serious collector to add a great showpiece to his collection.
PRICE ON REQUEST. Email for details
One of the very greatest of all absinthe spoon rarites. In Madame Delahaye's "L'Absinthe - Les Cuilleres" this
spoon receives the highest 5 star classification: Rarissime *****
The spoon measures 164mm in length, and shows the Eiffel Tower, as well as the ferris wheel erected in
Paris as part of the 1900 Exposition.
The spoon is made from an unusually light and thin silver-plated metal. It is in overall good condition, with
slight traces of wear as you would expect, and a few corrosion spots, particularly on the tower (as visible in
the photos).
I guarantee the authenticity of the spoon without question, and will provide a photo-certificate of authenticity.
5 star spoons are of the utmost rarity, and are almost never offered on the open market. This spoon in
addition has a truly spectacular and striking design, and belongs to the most sought after of all spoon
categories - Les Tours Eiffel. I'm only aware of two other examples of this spoon, one of which is in a
museum.
A rare and unrepeatable opportunity for the serious collector to add a great showpiece to his collection.
PRICE ON REQUEST. Email for details
An extremely rare Perrenod "spike" brouileur.
Very few of these spike brouilleurs are recorded, and this item is missing in many major collections. This unusual style of
brouilleur has a small reservoir leading to a long hollow spike with a tapered tip, which penetrates well below the surface of the
liquid in the glass.On the basis of recent experiments it's now believed that this style of brouilleur was, very unusually, designed
to add absinthe to water, rather than water to absinthe as was normally the case - the spike introduced the lighter alcohol directly
to the bottom of the glass, where it floated up and diffused through the heavier water. The flat metal disk trapped the aromas of
the louching absinthe in the glass, until the verte was ready for drinking.
A wonderful item for the connoisseur.
Very few of these spike brouilleurs are recorded, and this item is missing in many major collections. This unusual style of
brouilleur has a small reservoir leading to a long hollow spike with a tapered tip, which penetrates well below the surface of the
liquid in the glass.On the basis of recent experiments it's now believed that this style of brouilleur was, very unusually, designed
to add absinthe to water, rather than water to absinthe as was normally the case - the spike introduced the lighter alcohol directly
to the bottom of the glass, where it floated up and diffused through the heavier water. The flat metal disk trapped the aromas of
the louching absinthe in the glass, until the verte was ready for drinking.
A wonderful item for the connoisseur.
Description: Perrenod spike brouilleur
Condition: Very good
Price: PRICE ON REQUEST. Email for details
Condition: Very good
Price: PRICE ON REQUEST. Email for details
| At 10 seconds.. |
| At 20 seconds.. |
| At 30 seconds |
| At 45 seconds.. |
| At 2 minutes. |
Les Tours Eiffel #1. A very rare authentic example of this iconic absinthe spoon, issued to
commemorate the opening of the Eiffel Tower in 1889. In good condition, with just the usual
wear. Misclassified by MCD as three stars, this spoon certainly rates at least four stars on
account of its rarity.
commemorate the opening of the Eiffel Tower in 1889. In good condition, with just the usual
wear. Misclassified by MCD as three stars, this spoon certainly rates at least four stars on
account of its rarity.
| Les Tours Eiffel #3 |
| Les Tours Eiffel #6 "Silhouette". |
Les Tours Eiffel #7 "1889"
A great rarity, and an absolutely spectacular 4-star spoon.
A great rarity, and an absolutely spectacular 4-star spoon.
Les Feuilles d'Absinthe #1. 4 stars. Blank scroll. A rare and important spoon.
Perhaps the most beautiful category of all absinthe spoons, with the intertwined
leaves of the wormwood plant incorporated in the design of the spoon.
Perhaps the most beautiful category of all absinthe spoons, with the intertwined
leaves of the wormwood plant incorporated in the design of the spoon.
Description: Les Tours Eiffel #1
Condition: Good
Price: £450, shipping included.
Condition: Good
Price: £450, shipping included.
Description: Les Tours Eiffel #3
Condition: Very good
Price: £350, shipping included.
Condition: Very good
Price: £350, shipping included.
Description: Les Tours Eiffel #6
Condition: Very good
Price: £320, shipping included.
Condition: Very good
Price: £320, shipping included.
Description: Les Feuilles d'Absinthe #1
Condition: Very good
Price: PRICE ON REQUEST. Email for details
Condition: Very good
Price: PRICE ON REQUEST. Email for details
Les Feuilles d'Absinthe #3. 4 stars.
"Absinthe Française Lacaux Frères, la meilleure des
meilleures".
A rare and important spoon.
Perhaps the most beautiful category of all absinthe
spoons, with the intertwined leaves of the wormwood
plant incorporated in the design of the spoon.
"Absinthe Française Lacaux Frères, la meilleure des
meilleures".
A rare and important spoon.
Perhaps the most beautiful category of all absinthe
spoons, with the intertwined leaves of the wormwood
plant incorporated in the design of the spoon.
Description: Les Feuilles d'Absinthe #3
Condition: Very good
Price: PRICE ON REQUEST. Email for details
Condition: Very good
Price: PRICE ON REQUEST. Email for details
Les Trous #2. A scarce and unusual spoon, much heavier than most absinthe spoons, mint
condition. Four stars in MCD's book.
condition. Four stars in MCD's book.
Description: Les Trous #2
Condition: Near mint.
Price: £450, shipping
included.
Condition: Near mint.
Price: £450, shipping
included.
Description: Les Tours Eiffel #7
Condition: Very good
Price: PRICE ON REQUEST. Email for details
Condition: Very good
Price: PRICE ON REQUEST. Email for details
Description: Les Fleurs #2. A scarce spoon, in an unusual thin metal.
Condition: Excellent
Price: £350, shipping included.
Condition: Excellent
Price: £350, shipping included.
Description: Les Publicitaires #2 (Les Etoiles #2 spoon, with
publicity engraving for Perrenod & Cie, a well know absinthe distiller.)
Struck from a thin metal blanc.
Condition: Near mint.
Price: £50
publicity engraving for Perrenod & Cie, a well know absinthe distiller.)
Struck from a thin metal blanc.
Condition: Near mint.
Price: £50
Description: Les Feuilles #10. Listed as one star by MCD, but
certainly undervalued, should be two stars. Nickel plated brass.
Condition: Good, with some worn plating in parts, brass showing.
Price: £50
certainly undervalued, should be two stars. Nickel plated brass.
Condition: Good, with some worn plating in parts, brass showing.
Price: £50
Les Grillagees #6. A very rare spoon with a unique Art Nouveau design.
Descrip.: Les Grillagees #6
Condition: Excellent
Price: PRICE ON REQUEST.
Condition: Excellent
Price: PRICE ON REQUEST.
| Update 1st June: Two copies of this spoon were available, one has sold, the remaining copy, in identically excellent condition, is still available subject unsold. |
Description: Les Carres #10
Condition: Very good, classic spoon.
Price: £40
Condition: Very good, classic spoon.
Price: £40
Description: Les Feuilles #1
Condition: Very good, a desirable spoon.
Price: £40
Condition: Very good, a desirable spoon.
Price: £40
Description: Les Trefles #1. A late period spoon, dating from 1910-1925.
Condition: Very good. Made from a high shine nickel-like alloy.
Price: £35 for TWO spoons. (Only available in pairs, not individually)
Condition: Very good. Made from a high shine nickel-like alloy.
Price: £35 for TWO spoons. (Only available in pairs, not individually)
Description: Les Losanges #1. A late period spoon, dating from 1910-1925.
Condition: Very good. Made from an unusually thin flexible tin-like metal.
Price: £35 for TWO spoons. (Only available in pairs, not individually)
Condition: Very good. Made from an unusually thin flexible tin-like metal.
Price: £35 for TWO spoons. (Only available in pairs, not individually)
Description: Les Feuilles #26***
Condition: Excellent.
Price: £95
Condition: Excellent.
Price: £95
Description: Les Cuilleres Longues #1*** (front and back views shown)
Condition: Excellent. A gorgeous silverplated spoon, very scarce.
Price: £195
Condition: Excellent. A gorgeous silverplated spoon, very scarce.
Price: £195
Description: Les Etoiles #1***
Condition: Very good, one of the most famous designs.
Price: £145
Condition: Very good, one of the most famous designs.
Price: £145
| Update 1st June: Three copies of this spoon were available, two have sold, the remaining copy, in very good condition, is still available subject unsold. |
| Update 1st June: Two copies of this spoon were available, one has sold, the remaining copy, in identically excellent condition, is still available subject unsold. |
| Update 1st June: Two copies of this spoon were available, one has sold, the remaining copy, in identically excellent condition, is still available subject unsold. |