Empire Sterling Silver

This refined French Empire period coffee pot, or ewer, dates from the early years of the 19th-century and is crafted in solid silver. The elegant silhouette, balanced proportions and...

A S. Kirk & Son, Sterling Silver Repousse set of flatware. 117 gorgeous pieces. Hand chased and hand decorated by prominent American silversmith Samuel Kirk who introduced the Repou...

6238-7239- Pocket cigarette case with spring button in 925/1000 fire-enamelled sterling silver with beautiful vessel miniature hand-painted by th...

Important Italian sugar bowl in 800 solid silver made in Florence. The Empire style is characterized by the Classic leaves, embossed and finely chis...

Rectangular frame for oval photo in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on a guilloché pattern with Fabergé Russian Empire style ornaments from the lat...

Rectangular frame with concave corners for oval photo in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver, with translucent fired enamel on guilloché and engraving in the French Empire style Lou...

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

Exquisite Reuge S.A. Musical Table Box Description:Discover a stunning large rectangular table box featuring elegantly concave corners, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of th...

A fine mid-19th century Russian tea strainer. In 84 Zolotnik silver. By Carl Gustav Ekqvist of St. Petersburg. The figural bowl in the form of a pear supported by an intertwined '...

Pocket photos holder in sterling silver 925/1000 gold plated with two-tone translucent fired enamels on guillochè, with hand-engraved edges. Empire style Napoleon III. Octagonal hing...

Empire Style Silver & Crystal Swing-Handle Basket with Sphinx Decoration, Continental, circa 1820–1850 Measurements: 7" high x 6" wide x 4.75" deep Interior Measurements of Crystal ...

Exceptional Russian Silver Goblet with Cloisonné Enamel – 1848 Exceptional Russian silver goblet (Goblet), crafted in solid silver and fine ename...

Direct from France: Direct from a private chateau near Paris, a stunning 184pc. gold plated sterling silver (vermeil) flatware set by internationally known French silversmiths "Societe Parisienne d'Orfevrerie" complete with original 6-drawer storage cabinet and 16 magnificent serving pieces, superb condition - circa 1911 and no monograms. The annals of 19th century French silverware bear witness to numerous illustrious workshops, yet few achieved the remarkable synthesis of technical mastery, artistic innovation, and aristocratic prestige as the Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie. Founded by Odiot during the flourishing years of the Second Empire, this distinguished Parisian firm carved its legacy through exceptional creations in gold-plated 950 sterling silver, known as vermeil, particularly in the realm of flatware. While maintaining its distinct identity, the firm's close association with the legendary Odiot dynasty - through shared master craftsmen, parallel design philosophies, and overlapping aristocratic patronage - positioned it among the foremost creators of luxury tableware in nineteenth-century Europe. The Early Years: The emergence of Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie coincided with a period of remarkable innovation in French decorative arts during the mid-nineteenth century. Though lacking the multi-generational heritage of the Odiot dynasty, which traced its origins to 1690, SPO rapidly ascended to prominence by adopting and adapting the exacting standards that had made Odiot synonymous with excellence in European silverware. This connection manifested most significantly through the migration of skilled artisans between workshops, as numerous master silversmiths who had trained in Odiot's ateliers brought their expertise to SPO's benches. These craftsmen carried with them not only technical knowledge but also the aesthetic sensibilities that defined French high silverwork during this golden age. What set Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie apart was its particular specialization in vermeil, the art of gold-plating sterling silver. While Odiot certainly produced vermeil pieces among its vast output, SPO made this technique a defining characteristic of its production, particularly in flatware. The process demanded extraordinary precision, involving the plating of 950 sterling silver - an alloy of exceptional purity containing 95% fine silver - with a substantial layer of 24-karat gold. This marriage of precious metals created tableware that combined the structural integrity and luminous quality of silver with the sumptuous warmth of gold, resulting in pieces that glowed with rich, deep radiance. The technical challenges of this process were considerable, requiring perfect preparation of the silver surface and meticulous control of the gilding bath to ensure even, durable coverage that would withstand generations of use. Master Craftsman in Vermeil: The foundation of SPO's flatware excellence lay in its uncompromising approach to materials and technique. In an era when many manufacturers had begun adopting the 925-sterling standard for economic reasons, SPO remained steadfast in its use of 950 silver, a purer alloy that offered superior workability and a distinctive luminous quality. This higher silver content not only enhanced the metal's natural brilliance but also provided greater resistance to the stresses of daily use, ensuring that pieces maintained their structural integrity over decades of service. The gold plating process itself represented a triumph of French electrochemical innovation, with SPO's craftsmen perfecting a technique that deposited a substantially thicker and more durable layer of gold than conventional gilding methods. Each component in an SPO flatware service represented countless hours of skilled labor, beginning with the careful forging of blanks that would be transformed through a series of specialized processes. Master chasers employed repoussé techniques to create intricate decorative motifs on handles, working from the reverse side to produce low-relief designs of floral arrangements, mythological scenes, or geometric patterns. Engravers then refined these elements, adding delicate details that brought the designs to life with astonishing realism. The functional elements of each piece received equal attention, with blades and bowls carefully balanced for optimal weight distribution and ergonomic comfort. A single place setting might require weeks of work from multiple specialists, each contributing their expertise to create a harmonious whole. The most elaborate commissions incorporated personalized elements that transformed functional tableware into bespoke works of art. Aristocratic clients frequently requested custom monograms or family crests, often executed in exquisite detail with additional embellishments of enamel or precious stones. These personalized touches not only demonstrated the owner's status but also served as a testament to SPO's ability to accommodate the most discerning tastes. The firm's workshops maintained extensive pattern books containing hundreds of design variations, allowing for nearly infinite customization while maintaining the cohesive aesthetic that defined SPO's output. A Favorite of European Royalty: Like its esteemed counterpart Odiot, Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie enjoyed considerable favor among European royalty and aristocracy, particularly during the reign of Napoleon III. The Second Empire court's appetite for lavish tableware created ideal conditions for SPO's ascent, with the firm's vermeil flatware becoming a particular favorite for state banquets and diplomatic gifts. The inherent qualities of vermeil - its resistance to tarnishing in humid conditions and its opulent visual appeal - made it especially desirable among the international elite who frequented Paris during this period of unprecedented luxury. Among SPO's most illustrious commissions was a comprehensive twelve-place vermeil service created for Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. This magnificent ensemble exemplified the rococo revival style favored by the imperial court, with each piece featuring elaborate rocaille scrollwork intertwined with naturalistic vine motifs. The service's attention to detail extended to its specialized pieces, including fish servers with delicately pierced blades and sauce ladles with perfectly balanced handles. Another significant patron, Tsar Alexander II of Russia, commissioned a vermeil flatware service featuring Cyrillic monograms and subtle references to traditional Russian decorative arts, demonstrating SPO's ability to adapt its designs to diverse cultural preferences. The firm's clientele extended beyond imperial courts to include the rising financial and industrial elites of the period. American magnates touring Europe, British aristocrats refreshing their country estates, and the newly wealthy bourgeoisie of Paris all sought SPO's creations as tangible symbols of their refined taste and social standing. This broad appeal stemmed from SPO's unique position at the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and innovative production techniques, allowing it to meet the exacting standards of old-world aristocracy while satisfying the practical demands of modern entertaining. Awards and Accolades: The excellence of Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie's creations received formal recognition at the great international exhibitions that served as showcases for industrial and artistic achievement throughout the nineteenth century. The 1855 Paris Exposition Universelle marked a watershed moment for the firm, where its exhibition of vermeil flatware earned a gold medal and lavish praise from the international jury. Contemporary accounts particularly noted the flawless execution of the gilding and the ergonomic perfection of each piece, with one critic remarking that the flatware seemed to "anticipate the hand's movements before being lifted." Subsequent appearances at the 1862 London International Exhibition and the 1867 Paris World's Fair further cemented SPO's reputation as a leader in luxury flatware...

Rectangular handbag perfume holder in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with screw cap and stripes with two-tone translucent fired enamels on guilloché and hand-engraved motifs in...

Museal Antique Georgian Sterling Silver Mustard pots Style: Empire, Georgian, Antique, Regency, Napoleonic Material sterling Silver with cobalt blue...

Very nice set of solid silver and horn cutlery for six persons, by famous silversmith Nicolaj Brandt, Horsens, Denmark, 1787-1813.

Large shaped photograph frame in gold plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guillochè with borders and laurel frieze in Louis XVI French Empire style. Exte...

Large gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver shaped photograph frame with translucent fired enamel on guillochè and rich friezes in Louis XVI French Empire style. External measurements...

A very fine 19th century French silver (.950 fine) tasetvin / wine taster showing a circular bowl rising to a neoclassical inspired 'reeded & ribbon dado' decorated rim, sided by pie...

Two elegant, plain silver candle holders on a round stand, foot laterally profiled, centred raised smooth shaft, in the lower third constriction by profiled bead ring, shaft widening...

Early 19th century silver drageoir or candy dish adorned with Egyptian head and on the collar with openwork palmette motifs. On the two spiral handles are suspended two twisted rings. The base is decorated with curving tubular patterns. The removable lid features floral finial. The interior of the candy dish is entirely lined with vermeil. The candy dish is characteristic of the Egyptian style that developed after the return of the Egyptian campaigns of Napoleon the first. With the «Description of Egypt...

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...

Complete Vienna clock on six stocky ball feet made of alabaster, architecturally structured wooden case with fruitwood veneers in the shape of a portal, steps in front flanked by two...

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...

Square shaped frame with Empire-style friezes and borders, in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on a sunburst guilloché pattern. Exterior 13.8 x 13.8...

Pair of elegant Empire candleholders on an unfilled base, conical structure, offset olive-shaped grommets with a flat, plate-shaped drip edge, smoo...

Rectangular table box with inward corners in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent enamel fired on guilloche and a fine round miniature in the centre, diameter cm. 4....

Rectangular shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fine hand-engravings fire enameled hand-painted like lapis lazuli stone and beautiful hand-painted enameled ...

Empire style sugar bowl in 800 silver, Italy, 1950s It belonged to my maternal great-grandparents and is in excellent condition. Very small signs of the time. Gr. 166,00.

Peculiar and elegant sugar bowl with lid, 800 Italian embossed and chiseled silver. On the bottom is the 800 punch and the number 34 which identifies the code of the goldsmith's wo...

Rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver with translucent enamel fired on guilloche and hand-painted miniature of a garland of flowers with oval border, intern...

Octagonal box in 925/1000 sterling silver, gold plated with translucent fired enamels and featuring a handpainted monochrome miniature on guilloche of a sailing ship on the lid, depi...

Shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fine fire-enameled engraving on the lid and hand-painted floral miniature in 18th century French Empire style. Dimension...

Rectangular photo frame in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent emerald green enamel on guilloche, with late 19th century Russian Empire style ornaments. Blue alcant...

This superb Table Cigar Box two-tone stripes enamel is in 925/1000 sterling silver. it has a rectangular shape with rounded sides Table Cigar Box has hand engraving, with orange and ...

Rectangular photo frame in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent ruby red enamel on guilloche, with late 19th century Russian Empire style ornaments. Blue alcantara p...

Cylindrical handbag perfume holder in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with screw cap and stripes with translucent two-tone fired enamels on guilloché and hand-engraved motifs in...

Embrace a timeless treasure that echoes grandeur: an exquisite oval-shaped photo frame, sculpted from 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver. Its translucent enamel adorns a sunburst g...

Large round centerpiece in sterling silver. The centerpiece plate was made in the Empire style, without using borders but embossing and chisel...

Rectangular frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with two-tone enamel stripes on guilloché and fine hand engravings French Empire style. With 2 oval photo holders, internal ...

Octagonal table box in 800/1000 silver gold plated with translucent enamel on guilloché and beautiful enamel miniature hand painted by the painter Renato Dainelli in early 1900s Engl...

Large shaped frame for photographs in gold plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent two-tone fired enamels on guillochè and rich friezes in the French Empire Louis XVI style ...

This divine Table Box is in 925/1000 sterling silver. Table Box hand-painted miniature has a Rectangular shape with rounded corners. On the cover there is a beautiful hand-engraved...

Rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè, with French Empire Louis XVI style border and rich ornamentation around th...

Fine German salad cutlery set in 800 silver with rich decorated handles in empire style. All hallmarks for 800 silver and makers hallmark. The spoons are...

Empire style 800 silver inkstand The base of the inkstand, completely handmade, is shaped like a "cathedral". The classic "palmettes" of the Empire style have been chiseled around i...

Two elegant silver candlesticks on a round base, guilloché pattern on the side of the base, raised shaft in the centre, constriction in the lower third with a guilloché ring, shaft w...

Two large, elegant, simple silver candlesticks on a round base, round foot grooved on the sides, smooth shaft raised in the centre with a profiled constriction, shaft widening conica...

Pair of French Sterling Beakers hallmarked prior to 1838. Both with heraldic emblem chasing. Weight ( pair) 204 g or 6.6 t. oz.

Early silver lidded jug with a smooth finish on a round, funnel-shaped base with a profiled rim, slight nodule above the constriction, egg-shaped raised body with a recessed neck con...

Oval photo frame inserted into a harp-shaped object, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloché inspired by a model created by Peter Carl Fab...

Heart-shaped rounded frame with oval photo in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè. With hinged silver-gilt foot engraved in Empire style. ...

Danish silver dredging spoon from circa 1820.

Early silver lidded jug with a smooth finish on a round, funnel-shaped base with a profiled rim, slight nodule above the constriction, egg-shaped raised body with a recessed neck con...

Early silver saucepan, round, flared vessel with smooth walls and outwardly stepped rim, standing on three lion legs with fur relief and sculpted paws, mounted on the body of the ves...

Empire silver sugar vase, pressed bulbous body on a high, offset round stand with a fluted rim, the upper half of the vessel chased with flowers and feathered...

Silver German nicest pair of chandeliers Transition period / Empire (made circa 1880-1900). Silver 800 branded by German Crescent with Crown. Silver weight: 1479 grams / 3257 Lb ...

Gorgeous pair of candlesticks / period of classizism. Made in Augsburg (circa 1800) Master: Johann Rudolf Haller (1757 - 1844) The silversmith received licence of manufacturing...

Fine and solid creation by unidentified Swedish silver works presumably in Stockholm, date mark is 1827. Stylish and authentic creature of classical geometry would accomplish your Em...