Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

French Antique Guessing Game and the winner takes it home.

                                          French

   Last weekend at the brocante I found this rare little French antique. 

                                          French 

                                          It is small enough to fit in my hand. I was thrilled knowing it was a fantastic element for the French antique guessing game, and easy to mail to the winner. Oh but it had a partner too, which was even better because I could give one away and keep one. It makes me feel less selfish that way. But hey I am only giving one away and it is not this one. It is the one below.

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                                            This French antique Wizard of Oz beauty will go to the first person who guesses correctly what it was used for. Remember it is small, made of metal with worn off silver.

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                                            A close up of the detail, a fleur de lys. Which is a symbol of French royalty. I wonder if some Louis King ever used it… or at least one like it? I am going to say he did.

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                                             The two of them together side by side. Whoever guesses it correctly I will win the lion. Whoever comes up with the most creative answer will receive a modern version of it.

Happy Guessing, you can guess in both categories. The French antique guessing game ends tomorrow at 7am French time.

For other guessing games in the past, click here.

                                            

Comments

95 responses to “French Antique Guessing Game and the winner takes it home.”

  1. TACE

    Ummm..is it one of those little dooddads they baked into cakes? Isn’t it king cake or something like that? My memory is fuzzy on the details.

    Reply
  2. Britt-Arnhild in Norway

    Is it a small figure to be baked into the epiphany cakes?

    Reply
  3. Angela

    Gosh, they are both gorgeous and I cannot think what they might be used for. At first I thought a lid holder, then a shutter holder but my guess that I am going with is a bed finial.

    Reply
  4. Britt-Arnhild in Norway

    My creative answer (Well, that is if my first guess is correct)- My dear friend Marie-Noëlle who often comments here, told me about the French epiphany tradition and her daughter sent my daughter a small modern figurine one year. I fell in love with the tradition, and even adapted it into a carneval tradition in our family. Two of our kids have birthday close to the carnival season and we now bake muffins or other small “vannbakkels” (I don’t know the French or the English name) In one we put a miniature carnival mask.
    In my book about Lent and Lental traditions I have written about this tradition, both the old French one and the more modern creation in our family.
    I have a link to where you can flip though the whole Lent-book online, but the link is too long for this comment.

    Reply
  5. Kit

    Is it attached to a pin – to be a hat pin or a tie pin? I can’t remember the exact era of men’s fashions when they had billowy cravats and might have fixed them in place with one of these or a wide brimmed hat that would have been pinned to an elaborate wig so it didn’t blow away..

    Reply
  6. elainey

    … a cork screw?

    Reply
  7. elainey

    …second guess…a wax stamp sealer thingie…?

    Reply
  8. Kristin Wight

    Ok, First guess…. something you stick in a flower arrangement.
    Guess 2, its like chopsticks that you wear in your hair, to make a bun.
    Guess 3, a drink stirrer. (like the ones from McDonalds!) But nicer! : )

    Reply
  9. Triple L

    My guess is a hat pin.

    Reply
  10. cat

    I guess a drawer pull.

    Reply
  11. julie

    I guess a salt spoon.

    Reply
  12. Billie

    I thought maybe a “cocktail fork” cause I have a few that are adorably decorated like this… but I noticed the threading so …I am stumped.
    But…I forwarded your site to my sister, the antiques apprasiser so… even if she doesn’t guess.. I will have shared your wonderful site and we both win!

    Reply
  13. Judith in Umbria

    It is a finial that screws into something– it appears to be into wood, but you haven’t revealed the bottom of the screw. They are meant to be vertical so it’s not curtain rods or the like. They are too well kept to have been used outdoors so they’ve not to do with gardening. They look a bit delicate for furniture unless it might be a clock or jardiniere. Perhaps ends for knitting needles or lace bobbins?

    Reply
  14. Sher

    My first thought: They are hors d’oeuvres picks.
    My second thought: Maybe I should just admit I don’t have a clue.

    Reply
  15. Alison Whittington

    The dream fairy puts one under your pillow in the middle of the night after a happy dream, to let you know that your dream will come true.

    Reply
  16. My Mélange

    This is a toughy. They actually look exactly like the ends of some demitasse spoons I have Corey, but the screw is throwing me off!!
    Perhaps they went with a coffee and tea set- perhaps you could screw on different toppers on the top of the coffee pot which matched the spoons. Yes that must be it!
    My other guess is decorative finials for the tops of a wrought iron bed posts or the tops of iron garden gate.

    Reply
  17. Karin

    I am throwing a guess out and I am pretty sure I’ll be wrong, but… were they used as clock finials perhaps?
    Whatever they were used for, they are beautiful!! I hope someone guesses correctly because I am dying to know what they are!

    Reply
  18. Alexis

    I’m thinking a tie pin, cause they remind me of some antique tie pins by dad has. 🙂 Except if those are tie pins, they certainly look cooler than the plain jewel topped pins my dad has.

    Reply
  19. constance lefevre forehand

    cork screw

    Reply
  20. Nancy

    Is it a swizzle stick?

    Reply
  21. Suzanne

    You always come up with clever and funny guessing games Corey! 🙂

    Reply
  22. Dee

    My husband thinks the pair would make great corn cob pick holders! Ok…we know that’s not right but it’s the best we could do…we aren’t finished with our morning coffee yet!

    Reply
  23. M-Noëlle

    It’s a figurine that you screw on top of something to make it decorative…
    On top of a cork for example…?

    Reply
  24. Redness

    Hi Corey,
    Could it be the key to a pocket watch or mantle clock? Fingers crossed 😉

    Reply
  25. Di Overton

    I spy a screw thread.
    Well that didn’t do me any good as I still haven’t the foggiest what it is.

    Reply
  26. kay

    Are they figures from a french chess set? I love the rampant lion…it got the brain thinking!!!

    Reply
  27. Ed in Willows

    It’s so easy……..you even gave us a clue by saying Wizard of Oz. They are tiny flag pole toppers from Munchkin Land. The lion is simple but what looks like an angel is actually one of the flying monkeys, all cleaned up after the Wicked Which was killed. A little known fact is that the flying monkeys became an eco friendly form of transportation to the little people in Munchkin Land. And now you know the rest of the story.

    Reply
  28. linda

    She slowly slides out the hat pin, removing her hat to release the flowing locks secretly hiding beneath.

    Reply
  29. tut-tut

    The top of a lamp, screwed into the harp or whatever it is called?

    Reply
  30. Lilly

    Okay, I’ll guess that they are the handles for the tops of incense burners. They were screwed into the metal domed tops and used to open the incense burner?

    Reply
  31. Amy

    Perhaps they screw into the end of a letter opener? (This is a tough one)

    Reply
  32. Keke

    I think it is finials that screwed into the top of childrens beds.
    Your so much fun!

    Reply
  33. Deborah P

    My guess was a lamp finial, but tut-tut beat me to it. So I’ll go with the totally impractical – a car hood ornament.

    Reply
  34. Susan Murphy

    Corey,
    I think that they are lamp finials. They are both beautiful just as keepsakes.

    Reply
  35. becky up the hill

    I’ll guess something to do with drapes..to tie them back or something! A decorative tie back. My 2nd guess…an earring..lol…oh ouch!

    Reply
  36. Miss Sandy

    My guess is that they were owned by Marie Antoinette herself! They are her version of a cupcake pick!
    One day Marie was planning one of her decadent parties where French pastries were sure to be present. Wanting to top her last soiree, she summoned the royal jeweler and instructed him to craft tiny characters of pure silver and to mount them on a little silver threaded stem. One would be place on the top of each elaborately decorated cupcake as a small token for each guest to take home.
    Her party was a huge success, she plucked hers out of a deep swirl of pink frosting, laughingly licking the tip while exclaiming, “Let them eat cake!”
    I know it is not really a cupcake pick but it is all I can think of so that is my story and I’m sticking to it!

    Reply
  37. Karen from Wisconsin farmland

    In those days, dentistry was rather primitive and one was not opposed to sticking a metal toothpick in their teeth. Could that be?

    Reply
  38. Alison

    I am going to guess that they are decorative toppers for walking canes.
    I’m a Leo so I hope I’m correct.(Although the lamp finials sound good)
    Alison

    Reply
  39. Star

    They are scepters for Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “little prince”–one on which to tutor his flower and one to stir in his volcano 🙂

    Reply
  40. Beachy

    I was going to say they go on the top of a cork, but I see that has already been guessed. hmmmm… could it be that they go on the top of a fancy silver teakettle or coffee pot? (Actually one of those fancy French hot chocolate pots!!!!)

    Reply
  41. anne

    My guess is early Q-tips! Twist a bit of cotton or moss (or ?) on the screw portion and there you have the first Q-tip! A His and Hers pair or a Left ear and Right ear set!

    Reply
  42. Beachy

    HA! Coffee pot has been guessed already as well! lol
    My creative guess… They are the caps to vials of perfume for wearing on a chatelaine! On the days that you feel like an angel, you would use the cherub cap on your perfume bottle. On the days you feel like a vixen, you’d wear the lion cap! And if your man has any clue as to what the caps mean, he’d know what he would be in for that evening! lol shhhhhh

    Reply
  43. suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife

    This is a tough one Corey…..hair pins, perhaps?
    – Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife

    Reply
  44. martina

    A salt cellar spoon. You use it to get salt out of say…the shell salt holder in one of your previous photos. When on vacation with my parents in Scotland as a teenager, I bought one just like the cherub one. It has a gold fleur de lis in the bowl.

    Reply
  45. Lisa Boni

    My first thought was that they are lamp finials, but I see that’s already been mentioned.
    Maybe they are music box dancers!
    Or fancy finials that go on door hinges?

    Reply
  46. Rosemary

    I guess some kind of finial!! It looks like it would screw into something else.
    Rosemary
    PS, whatever it is, it’s pretty!

    Reply
  47. MimiG

    Some sort of toothpick or toothpick holder?
    MimiG

    Reply
  48. Erina

    Faves??

    Reply
  49. ~Kim

    Bottle stopper?

    Reply
  50. annieelf

    Sweet, Corey. So lovely to see your new finds here again.
    Obviously it is some sort of decorative screw. Lots of ideas above but I would guess they are decorative elements that screw into the tops of an old globes of the world.

    Reply
  51. Brother Mathew

    Decoration attached to table ware such as a fork-n-knife.

    Reply
  52. Kas

    They were sewn into royal children’s clothing so if a child of royal blood was ever kidnapped the child would pull them out of the lining of their frocks and toss them on the ground (like bread crumbs). The silver gilt helped them to shine in the moonlight making it easier for the royal guards to follow the trail and safely rescue the child.

    Reply
  53. Robi from Willows

    My guess is that these regal figurines were used to adorn the top of urns…as in the dearly departed’s final resting place either on someone’s mantle or in a niche somewhere.

    Reply
  54. Lorene

    My guess is a hat pin. You know to decorate the hat they are wearing. I have no clue! Your guessing games are always hard and I never get the right answer!
    LOL!!

    Reply
  55. Donovan

    This has intrigued me all day long. Now I thought maybe a top of a child’s rattle but there were no rattly bits, so I think it was a finial on top of a sceptre.

    Reply
  56. Massilianana

    Now Corey , this is a difficult and exciting one ! What a beautiful find .
    First category guess : could it be that it was used on top of umbrellas to adorn them ?
    Second category guess : they are real fairy tale people . When someone finds one it is good luck . Two , is awesome lucky ! Then , the legend goes that if you put it in your hand , blow your breath gently to heat the silver , you will see something happening : the little creature starts glistening and suddenly a small drift of pixie dust fills the air around you and all you have to do is say : “I believe in you !” and quickly make a wish . Then you have to find a place to gently keep your little creature on , like a piece of wood or a flower vase .Don’t forget to touch it once in a while , to keep the magic alive (that’s where the worn off silver is from !).
    Now I can’t wait to know the right answer !

    Reply
  57. Antti J.

    They are toothpicks 🙂

    Reply
  58. Jenny

    Ummm,OHHHH, hmmmm, well, ummmm, I want to guess right but on first blink i say…hat pin. King Louis and a hat pin? possibly, possibly. I truly have no idea but I will stick with a hat pin.

    Reply
  59. Anna Bluebell

    Do you know the cheese royal blue/roi bleu?
    I think these figures are to stick on top of the cheese to give you a good grip when you cut pieces for a royal cheese night.

    Reply
  60. Julie Ann

    Hi Corey, that was a fine piece of work yesterday ! My guess is KNIFE RESTS ? Peace, Jx

    Reply
  61. Lisette

    Hi Corey ,
    maybe it´s an antique “snuff-spoon” 0:)

    Reply
  62. Mahala

    A finial, one of those things screws into something like a lamp or something.

    Reply
  63. Pat

    skewer to hold corn on the cob?

    Reply
  64. Nancy

    It’s the ornamental top that delicately screws into a glass vial holding laudenum.

    Reply
  65. Mahala

    I imagine they probably are picks to poke into food for easy eating, but others have probably said that and I earlier said a finial which I see another also said.
    I can’t see the bottom and maybe it has a scoop, like a salt spoon.
    Well, here’s a silly one. How about an ear pick and when they aren’t picking their ear wax out or scratching in their ear, they are using it to poke into a candle to light their way while walking.
    Maybe even a swizzle stick, but it may break a sweet crystal glass.
    Maybe they hold their cape closed with it…

    Reply
  66. Lisette

    If I may have a second quess…It could be a knob from the lid of “incensory-kettle” , because they didn`t have “odour-control-sprays” in those days …

    Reply
  67. ~jolene

    My first thoughts are:
    1. Cuff links
    2. A tie pin

    Reply
  68. LizP

    Hello Corey! I have been enjoying your blog for quite some time, and though I have often thought of commenting on some of your beautiful and touching posts, this is the first time I’m actually doing it!
    I have in my hand a small spoon with the identical cherub, but much smaller. (Is that a fish in its arms? Mine is too small to tell that detail!) I also have a fleur-de-lis, a couple of male figures, a classic harlequin clown figure, and a motif of shield, helmet, and swords. These little spoons have always intrigued me. They were bought by my grandmother, who loved collecting beautiful things. ( Incidentally, mine are stamped “Italy” on the underside.)
    Maybe yours are antique toothpicks?

    Reply
  69. Tan

    Do you use them to make a wish — or maybe they’re some kind of house blessing.

    Reply
  70. April

    They are scepters for fairy queens and kings! I know they are… 🙂

    Reply
  71. Y

    they are perfume bottle lids…?

    Reply
  72. kenju

    Are they game markers? Sort of like cribbage pins?

    Reply
  73. Leilani

    A lamp finial?

    Reply
  74. cielo

    Those lovely antique pieces where not exactly meant to be for a king, but rather for its queen…. they are hair pins; lovely, antiques hair pins made out of metal and old gold, just “en suite” for a queen… 🙂
    You have a fantastic blog, and I love to read you.
    Cielo

    Reply
  75. martina

    for snuff or as Grandpa would say, snoose.

    Reply
  76. carol

    Perhaps they are finials for some sort of sewing,knitting, rug hooking implement, candle snuffer, or even a letter stamp.
    You do find the most wonderful items at the brocantes! Thank you for thinking of us.

    Reply
  77. Mahala

    I was gonna come back and say hair pin or hat pin, but someone beat me to it.

    Reply
  78. Barbara Sydney Australia

    Hi Corey, this is such fun and you are so generous.
    My guess is a spoon.
    More importantly though is the joy you share makes us all winners, thank you.
    xx

    Reply
  79. A Circle of Quiet

    A tie tack?
    A cravat pin?
    A drink stirrer?
    An hors d’oeuvre server?
    Whatever they are, they’re beautiful.
    Diane

    Reply
  80. Laura

    A watch winding stem?

    Reply
  81. Kristin Wight

    Ok this is my fourth guess! LOL
    Fondue Forks!
    : )
    I love fondue!

    Reply
  82. Jill Flory

    Are they corkscrews to open wine bottles? can’t wait to find out what they really are! You are such a bright spot in my day, Corey, always a new post and so much fun to read!
    Jill

    Reply
  83. Jill Flory

    Or is is a decorative screw to hold a door in its hing?
    Jill

    Reply
  84. Ellen Cassilly

    You can tell by the threading on the bottom that they were screwed into something. I think that they were drawer/cabinet pulls. Ellen

    Reply
  85. Vickie Hurst

    Oh my! But they are divine! I am going to guess that they are lapel pins!! Love your blog!! I live for it every single DAY!!
    Vickie

    Reply
  86. kelly

    their for lamps to screw on the shades
    Kelly

    Reply
  87. Kurt

    could they be salt spoons? Frankly, what is a fabulous meal sans sel.
    Kurt

    Reply
  88. Paula

    They are sealing wax stamps.

    Reply
  89. Denise

    They look like stoppers for a bottle.

    Reply
  90. Hasmin

    ok, here goes…
    My guesses are that they were used as scepter toppers or that they were used as decorative figures on top of crowns.

    Reply
  91. uberburber

    Whatever they are, they’re something that topped something, and were handled a lot….
    I’m stumped but I think Nancy deserves to win most creative/funniest answer!

    Reply
  92. Elaine L.

    I didn’t read through the responses so I don’t know if anyone has guessed that it’s a toothpick.
    ~elaine~

    Reply
  93. Claudia

    Dear Corey,
    is it the top pieces of serving cutlery?
    But similar guesses have already been made.
    As the pieces don’t look too convenient to handle (although worn), maybe they’re the top pieces of parasols (not the handles, but the other side)?
    Oh my, what can it be? Tell us, quick! 😉
    Cheers,
    Claudia

    Reply
  94. Marcie

    I think a wine stopper.

    Reply
  95. Kitem

    I come often, but seldom let a comment, now I am ashamed to come just to participate to your latest game, but not so much as I would say:
    Des épingles à chapeau.

    Reply

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