French Sterling Silver

Bloch & Eschwege 273pc. Flatware Set – Description 1st Dibs Direct from Paris, A Stunning 273pc. Privately Commissioned Napoleon III Sterling Silver Flatware Set with Rare Mother-of-Pearl Handled Knives, Original 5 Drawer Lockable Storage Chest and 25 Amazing Serving Pieces by Two of France's Premier Silversmiths "Bloch & Eschwege" Silversmiths to the French Elite, in Superb Condition - circa 1930s. The history of silver-smithing in France is rich and illustrious, and many prominent firms have contributed to its legacy. Among these, Bloch & Eschwege stands out as an exemplar of craftsmanship, innovation, and artistic excellence. Founded in the 19th century, this renowned silversmith firm has left an indelible mark on the world of decorative arts. Bloch & Eschwege was established in the mid-19th century by two remarkable artisans, Joseph-Alexandre Bloch and Emile-Robert Eschwege. Both men were passionate about the art of silver-smithing, and their partnership laid the foundation for a firm that would set new standards of excellence in the craft. Joseph-Alexandre Bloch was born in 1828 in the heart of Paris, a city renowned for its artistic heritage. As a young man, Bloch exhibited an exceptional talent for metalwork, earning an apprenticeship with a prominent Parisian silversmith. This experience provided him with valuable training in the art of working with silver and other precious metals. Bloch's dedication and skill earned him recognition in the silversmithing community, setting the stage for his future partnership with Eschwege. Emile-Robert Eschwege, born in 1832, hailed from a family of skilled metalworkers. His upbringing was steeped in the traditions of silver-smithing, and he showed a remarkable aptitude for the craft from a young age. Eschwege's family background and his own determination to master the art of silver-smithing made him a formidable candidate to join forces with Bloch. In 1855, Bloch and Eschwege joined hands to establish their silversmith firm in Paris. Their partnership was not only rooted in a shared passion for the craft but also a vision to create exceptional pieces that would capture the essence of French artistic expression. The early works of Bloch & Eschwege were characterized by a fusion of traditional silversmithing techniques and innovative designs. Their creations included intricately designed flatware, tableware, and decorative pieces that showcased their mastery over silver, gold, and other precious metals. Their creations soon gained recognition among the elite of Parisian society, attracting a growing client base. Bloch & Eschwege's reputation grew rapidly due to their dedication to artistic excellence and innovation. The firm's artisans continuously pushed the boundaries of silver-smithing, employing novel techniques and materials to create one-of-a-kind pieces. As Bloch & Eschwege's reputation continued to grow, they attracted the attention of European royalty and aristocracy. Their works found their way into the homes of kings, queens, and nobles, solidifying their status as one of the premier silversmith firms in Europe. The firm's most prestigious commissions came from members of the French royal family, including Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. These commissions included exquisite pieces such as ornate candelabras, intricately designed tea sets, and opulent dining services. Bloch & Eschwege's creations not only adorned the palaces of the Tuileries and Compiègne but also graced the tables of state banquets and diplomatic events. Bloch & Eschwege's works were showcased at various international exhibitions, earning them accolades and awards. Notable exhibitions included the 1867 Exposition Universelle in Paris and the 1873 World's Fair in Vienna. The firm's contributions to these events highlighted their role in elevating French silver-smithing to the world stage. Each stunning sterling piece in this amazing set is skillfully handcraft with the fine workmanship that has made the "House of Bloch & Eschwege" a favorite amongst the French Elite. Renowned for their elegant styling and the legendary quality of their flatware sets, this set is an exemplary testament to the quality and luxury typical of early 20th century France - La Belle Epoque ! This set is in extraordinarily good condition. Each sterling piece bears the hallmark of Master French Silversmith "Bloch & Eschwege" in addition to the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver. The sterling silver knive blades are by Charles Marseille. This set is of exceptional quality and craftsmanship - check the weights and measures below, all weights and measures approximate: 18 Dinner Knives - Mother of Pearl Handes 24.70 cm. 48 grams 18 Dinner Forks 21.50 cm. 82 grams 18 Tablespoons 21.50 cm. 88 grams 18 Luncheon Knives - Mother of Pearl Handles 20.20 cm. 28 grams 18 Luncheon / Dessert Forks 18.50 cm. 46 grams 18 Luncheon / Dessert Spoons 18.50 cm. 54 grams 18 Dessert Knives - Mother of Pearl Handles & Sterling Silver Blades 20.20 cm. 34 grams 18 Fish Knives 21.00 cm. 54 grams 17 Fish Forks 18.20 cm. 53 grams 17 Oyster Forks 12.00 cm. 22 grams 18 Ice Cream Spoons 13.00 cm. 20 grams 17 Teaspoons 12.50 cm. 19 grams 17 Cake Forks 13.50 cm. 22 grams 18 Knife Blade Rests - Sterling Silver 7.00 cm. 18 grams 1 Berry Serving Spoon 18.00 cm. 55 grams 1 Small "bonbon" Serving Knife 15.20 cm. 23 grams 1 Small Berry Serving Spoon 13.70 cm. 32 grams 1 Small Tart Server 13.20 cm. 25 grams 1 Small "bonbon" Serving Fork 13.70 cm. 23 grams 1 Cheese Serving Knife 19.50 cm. 35 grams 1 Butter Serving Knife...

A stylish duo of Christofle Art Deco style salt and pepper shakers, with fluted crystal barrels and silver sterling screw-on lids. Dating from around th...

This vintage rare French sterling silver tea pot is beautifully designed by Georges Fouquet-Lapar in the 1930’s. It is stylishly decorat...

The worlds of luxury and craftsmanship often intersect in fascinating ways, exemplifying the pursuit of perfection through design and skill. Two iconic brands that embody this union of artistry and elegance are Puiforcat, the French silversmith, and Hermès, the esteemed fashion house. Despite their distinct histories and expertise, both brands share a common thread of dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and timeless design. The House of Puiforcat (now owned by Hermes) was founded in 1820 by Emile Puiforcat, a visionary silversmith who sought to redefine traditional craftsmanship with a modern perspective. The brand quickly gained recognition for its commitment to exceptional quality and its avant-garde designs that pushed the boundaries of silversmithing. In its early years, Puiforcat became a favored choice for French aristocracy and European nobility, solidifying its reputation as a leading silverware manufacturer. Hermès, a name synonymous with luxury, began its journey in 1837 as a harness workshop in Paris. Founded by Thierry Hermès, the brand initially focused on crafting high-quality leather goods, primarily for horse riders. Over the years, Hermès expanded its offerings and ventured into the world of luxury fashion, establishing itself as one of the most prestigious names in the industry. What sets Hermès apart is its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and its dedication to the creation of enduring, exquisite pieces. The relationship between Puiforcat (Hermès) and its artisans is a testament to the brand's commitment to excellence. While Puiforcat and Hermès operate in distinct domains—silversmithing and fashion—both brands share a deep-rooted commitment to traditional craftsmanship and quality. This commitment extends not only to the materials used but also to the expertise of the artisans who transform these materials into exceptional creations. The stories of Puiforcat and Hermès, though distinct in their origins and crafts, converge in their shared commitment to craftsmanship, tradition, and timeless design. The legacies of these two iconic brands are not just tales of luxury but narratives of artistry, dedication, and a pursuit of perfection. Puiforcat's innovative silversmithing and Hermès's enduring leather craftsmanship stand as beacons of excellence in their respective fields. Together, they remind us that true luxury is not just about wealth or opulence but is a manifestation of the enduring connection between art and craftsmanship. Puiforcat and Hermès have...

A set of twelve antique sterling silver 'Entremet' knives, the blades hallmarked with the 950/100 Minerva head stamp and offered in their original blue silk-lined presentation case. ...

French Sterling Silver Salt And Pepper Grinders.

Carafe of clear glass in the form of a drop, the wall divided into four segments by vertical cuts, three segments with elaborately cut floral, foliate and volute bindings, fourth seg...

An elegant 19th century French hallmarked sterling silver chocolate pot with embossed decoration. The pot is decorated with a band around the top. There is embossed decoration on top...

Carafe small or tall model in silver bronze 0.5 litre decanter in silver bronze 35/42 microns H: 205 mm, d: 70 mm 1 litre decanter in silver plated bronze 35/42 microns H: ...

Jean Elysée Puiforcat was a French silversmith, sculptor and designer. Puiforcat is is considered the "most important French Art Deco silversmith." These handcrafted utensils show...

A France Mid-Century Modern design vase model “Cardinale” in silvered metal designed by Italian artist Lino Sabattini for Christofle France in 1956,...

This exquisite, beautiful and rare French silver vermeil coffee and tea service was crafted by one of the most celebrated goldsmiths in Paris. Fa...

A fine Cartier compact case in Art Deco style, circa 1930s. Sterling silver with gold gilt interior. The exterior features engraved line pattern that r...

The Parisian silversmith Puiforcat is regarded as one of the legendary names in European silver craftsmanship. Superb Dinner Size Louvois by Puiforcat sterling silver flatware set, ...

Important solid silver centerpiece in two parts formed by a tray decorated with waves and a planter surmounted by a putti, decorated with shells and crustaceans. Dimensions: tray 73 ...

A fine, signed French Art Deco knife rest. In French second standard silver. By Louis Mathey, the renowned French Art Deco silversmith. In the form of a flat cut dog body with sol...

Direct from Paris, a magnificent 97pc. antique French sterling silver flatware set by France’s premier silversmith “Christofle ...

A fine sterling silver flatware for 6 guests composed of 6 table forks and 6 table spoons by French silversmith Ernest Prost (active between 1923 and 1963, successor to Charles Barri...

This is a magnificent antique French sterling silver soup tureen and lid, retailed by Bulgari Rome with hallmarks for the maker Marc Jacquard and circa 1810 in date. This round Silver Serving Tureen has Rococo elements perfectly accenting the elegant body, with bold scroll handles decorated with foliate and floral ornamentation and stands on a pedestal foot with an encircled border. It features an exceptional cast floral and fruit bouquet finial on the lid. The tureen is beautiful in its simplicity and comes with its own vintage luxury case labelled Bulgari. Condition: In excellent condition with clear hallmarks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 28 x width 37 x depth 29 Weight 76 troy oz Dimensions in inches: Height 11.0 x width 14.6 x depth 11.4 Weight 2.36 kg Bulgari The founder of the Bulgari brand is Sotirios Voulgaris who was born in March 1857 and came from the Epirus Village of Paramythia, the largest Aromanian center of silversmithing in the Balkans. He was one of eleven children of his father Georgios Voulgaris (1823–1889) and his Aromanian mother Eleni Stronggaris. In 1881, Sotirios Bulgari moved to Rome and, in 1884, opened his first store on via Sistina 85. In 1888, he married Aromanian Eleni Basio with whom he had six children: Constantine-Georgios (1889–1973), Leonidas-Georgios (1890–1966), Maria-Athena (1891–1976), Sofia (1893–1908), Alexandra (1895–1984) and Spyridon (1897–1932); Leonidas-Georgios is the father of the current chairman of the company, Paolo Bulgari.[9] In 1905, he unveiled the Via Condotti shop that would become the company's flagship.[10] In its early years, Bulgari was known for silver pieces that borrowed elements from Byzantine and Islamic art, combining them with floral motifs. At the time, Paris was the apex of fashion and creativity, and its trends influenced Sotirio's designs for decades: jewels of the early 20s were characterised by platinum Art Deco settings while those of the 30s featured geometric diamond motifs—sometimes set in combination with coloured gemstones. Convertible jewels...

Art Nouveau silver, crystal, and pate de verre table centrepiece by Falize, French, 1902 Measures: Height 35.5cm, width 150cm, depth 52cm This...

Direct from a Private Mansion in St. Tropez, a Stunning 19th Century 950 Sterling Silver and Vermeil Table Service by Premier French Silversmith "Boin Taburet", Consisting of a 322pc Flatware Set Plus a 15pc. Serving Platter Set...

Art Nouveau French silver handbag purse dated circa 1900 Very pretty chainmail purse, probably for gold coins with two compartments inside. Really he...

A beautiful Victorian period sterling silver hand mirror and brush, French, circa 1890 with ornamental decoration.

19th-century French twisted and hand-engraved crystal ewer with sterling silver mount. The handle is beautifully adorned with stylized acanthus leaves, while the upper part of the mo...

Circa 1860, Paris, France. This 99-piece solid silver set features elegant craftsmanship with crest detail on each utensil. Measurement is for the knife.

Beautiful 19th century French Sterling silver and mother-of-pearl fish cutlery, service for 8 people. 8 Forks and 8 knives. French punch (minerve) and Stamp R&C of the silversmith....

Sterling silver gravy/sauce boat, with attached tray.

Sterling silver swashbuckler, Cartier, circa 1910.

Exceptional pair of vermeil salerons represented by a newt blowing in a conch, in the middle of two large shells placed on an oval base with leafy outlines. Here the marine theme is...

This exquisite set of 36 French gold-plated oyster forks, dessert forks, and knives is a stunning example of fine craftsmanship. Each piece features elegant mother-of-pearl handles, ...

A beautiful set of 12 sterling silver teaspoons, accompanied by a tea strainer and sugar tongs. The inside of the spoons is gilded (vermeille). The silverwork is done in an incredibl...

Elegant set of five cups and a small serving tray in sterling silver. All of them have a decoration as a frame where could be made an engraving. Fr...

Pair of antique French silver gilt fruit knives with mother of pearl handle, Paris 1820 This exquisite pair of early 19th century silver fruit knives...

Breathtaking French antique Art Nouveau decanter / pitcher in silver plate with enamel painted glass by Jules Barian 1900. Exquisite Art Nouveau...

A fine set of 6 fruit knives, sterling silver blades, caps and collars, ebony handle. The caps and collars are very finely chiseled : cornucopia, leaves and roses. The blades bear th...

A fine antique French tea strainer. In sterling silver. Fully hallmarked. Simply a wonderful strainer! Date: Late 19th to Early 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall ...

Set of four Empire, sterling silver (.950), footed open salt cellars with matching spoons and liners, Paris, circa 1900, Isabelle Venner, maker. Each ...

A wonderful set of six coasters for wine or champagne bottles. Made in Paris by André Aucoc in the early 20th century. André Aucoc, the famous French Parisian jeweller and goldsmit...

Large French Rococo Revival 950 silver oval centerpiece plateau, circa 1890. Curvilinear cartouche with 6 leaf-mounted scroll supports. Beaded oval...

A fine French napkin ring. By Christofle. In silver plate. With stepped sides and wheel engraved decoration throughout. Etched with a number 16 ...

19th Century French Silver Commemorative 3-Dimensional Napoleon Portrait Spoon  Unmarked, France, 19th Century  A remarkable 19th-century French si...

Vintage Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Handbag Beautiful handbag made of silver with a peacock design on the front and decorated with a pattern of small flowers throughout the design, w...

Set of 12 fine French Art Deco silver plated knife rests designed by Marcel Sandoz for the Gallia collection of Christofle. All 12 animals are different. Original case. Hallmark ” Ga...

Art Deco Modernist Fruit Dish Tray made in solid silver 950/1000th and vermeil designed by Jean E. Puiforcat in 1937. All parts are stamped Minverve 1st Title and Jean E. Puiforcat. ...

Pair of solid silver coolers mounted on a pedestal, engraved with a decoration of water leaves, halfway down a large garland of laurel leaves is connected to the handles represented ...

An exquisite pair of Louis XVI-style cauldron-shaped, sterling silver salt cellars, finely decorated with swags and motifs of asparagus and laurel wreaths. Dating from around the t...

Fabulous, rare, Art Deco, sterling silver, rust colored enamel and beveled glass-mounted burled walnut table box with hinged lid, Paris, circa 1910...

A superb vintage 20th Century solid silver cigar box by Hermès. The box showcases an engine-turned diagonal pattern on the exterior, adorned with a gilt central belt buckle design on...

French Napoleonic Empire table set "return from Egypt" Made of sterling silver and cobalt blue liners Collectible for it's beauty and hallmarks that were only used during Napoleons E...

Antique eight-piece silver coffee and tea set by Tétard French, early 20th century Tray: Height 6cm, width 73.5cm, depth 46.5cm Water jug: Height 19cm, width 21cm, depth 11cm T...

Lovely Baron Gerard by Souche-Lapparra French 925 sterling silver set with beautiful floral, leaf and wing design - 20 pieces. This set includes: 4 Din...

Exceptional and elegant silver jardinière of elliptical basic form on high curved volute legs with attached fully plastic putti as torchbearers and feather leaf rests on the rolled f...

HERMÈS, Paris. Cutlery and knife set, "Moisson" model, in silver and gilt metal, 113 pieces including : - 12 table forks, - 12 table spoons (soup), - 12 table knives, - 12 dessert fo...

Louis XVI silver vermeil beaker. France, late 18th century. Dimensions: 3.5" diameter x 3.63" height.

This is a charming pair of antique French silver novelty table salt condiments in the form of garden wheelbarrows, dating from the late 19th century. Each wheel barrow having 'C' scroll Rococo style decoration to the bodies with shaped handles and a functioning wheel. Both table salts having a silver shovel...

Probably made for an aristocratics child’s doll house or a copy of the Sterling Silver room furniture of King Louis XIII. Has a chandelier, and opening doors to the Buffets.

Drageoir in silver and crystal blown and carved. The drageoir is decorated on both sides with finely chiselled motifs representing children in gardener...

"Pair of Saltcellar and Pepperpot, Christofle house, 20th century" Pair of Christofle silver plated salt and pepper shakers with ...

Cardeilhac, French 0.950 (higher purity than sterling) silver flatware set in the celebrated Louis XVI pattern from the early 20th century. Named after France's last monarch, this pa...

A beautiful boxed set of six vermeil coffee spoons, dating from the French Restoration Period. The shaped stems are of an unusually decorative foliate ...