Hallmark Minerve and Mercure!

[zieziela]

Hello, I found this object, I suppose it is for sugar or something, don't know, if anybody knows??
There are three hallmarks in it: the maker:
Tirbour, than there is Minerve 1 but with all scratches through!!! and there is also Mercure!
Can anyone help with an explanation why those hallmarks and also the use of this object?
Many thanks!
Now I'll try some pictures, sorry if it don't work..

[dognose]

Hi,

I'm not sure why the mark has been defaced, but I think your item is a tea-strainer, you would use it at an angle when pouring the tea and when you place it on the table in the upright position it would catch the drips.

Trev.

[jgl]

Patronyme M.O. : Tirbour
prénom (Etat civil) : Charles
Initiales : C.T., TIRBOUR
Profession : Fabricant orfèvre
Lieu d'activité : 75 Paris
Adresse de l'atelier : 1) 8 rue des Haudriettes ; 2) 23 rue Chapon
Date d'insculpation : 8 janvier 1897
Date de biffage : 20 mars 1951
N° de préfecture : 11404
N° de garantie : B973
Symbole : Un sac de voyage