It is a fool who, when engaged in a debate on the merits of the spoon de thé, starts wringing his hands, looks to high heaven and dismisses this diminutive utensil due to its very lack of size.

To do this is a folly worthy of any cheap French farce.

Just to hold a teaspoon is to love it. Clear, unfussy lines are the order of the day here – the head sits atop the handle with pride and no little conviction. One can use this bright, perfect, stainless bit of beauty to add sweetening goodness to not only one’s tea but also coffee or chocolat chaud.

It is also a godsend when eating that stalwart of the English breakfast table, the humble boiled egg. And you can fit a teaspoon in your waistcoat pocket. And take it to the opera.