Puiforcat (Hermes) - 306 pcs. Antique French Sterling Silver Flatware Set !
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris: A magnificent antique French 950 sterling silver flatware set by Frances Premier Silversmiths “Puiforcat”, currently owned by Hermes. A gorgeous service for 24 which includes additional Mother-of-Pearl handled dessert and cheese knives, 4 salt cellars with serving spoons and custom-made storage chest, 306 pieces in total – circa late 1800s. The annals of French decorative arts reserve a distinguished chapter for the House of Puiforcat, a name that has become synonymous with the pinnacle of silversmithing excellence since its establishment in 1820. This Parisian firm emerged during a golden age of French craftsmanship, when the demand for luxury tableware among aristocracy and haute bourgeoisie created fertile ground for artistic innovation. Puiforcat distinguished itself through an uncompromising commitment to quality, most notably through its pioneering use of 950 sterling silver, a purer alloy than the conventional 925 standard. The firm's flatware sets, particularly those featuring the elegant filet and laurel garlands motifs, like this stunning set, represent not merely functional tableware but veritable works of art that continue to command admiration and premium prices in the collector's market.
The Early Years: The Puiforcat story begins with Jean-Baptiste Fuchs, who established his silversmith workshop in Paris in 1820 before adopting his mother's surname, Puiforcat. This nominal change marked the beginning of a family dynasty that would dominate French luxury silverware production for generations. The firm initially specialized in ecclesiastical silver and ceremonial objects, but under Jean Puiforcat's leadership during the mid-19th century, it transitioned decisively into the production of luxury flatware...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Sterling Silver
