Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

This is an antique serving dish. A French, cut glass and ormolu presentation centrepiece or fruit bowl in the Empire manner, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Wonderf...

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...

19th Century Empire Old Paris porcelain tea and coffee set An early 19th Century Old Paris porcelain coffee, tea set with green painted French country scenes and gold paint. The gol...

A gorgeous, early 20th century large Russian imperial brass samovar set. Tray and bowl included. Measures 16" in width, 16" in depth and stands 22.5" tall.

Historically significant Baccarat Empire Simson Armorial Crest stemware service for 8 - champagne, wine, water and liqueur glasses and two superb wine decanters, each piece bearing the Simson crest 19th Century The Armorial crest is almost certainly that of Sampson Simson (1780-1857), a Jewish American philanthropist most notably remembered as the Father of Mount Sinai Hospital. Simson was born in Danbury, CT and expressed an early interest in law, attending Columbia University where he studied under Aaron Burr. He was admitted to the bar in 1802 and became one of the first Jewish lawyers in New York City. He retired several years later to devote himself to charitable work. In 1852, nine men, including Sampson Simpson, joined together to establish the Jew's Hospital in New York which later became Mount Sinai Hospital. Simson served as the first president of the hospital's Board of Directors, personally covering many of the expenses and donating the land upon which the hospital was originally built on West 28th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Baccarat introduced their iconic Harcourt pattern in 1841 and this service is from approximately the same time period, circa 1850. The Baccarat Empire pattern elevates the Harcourt design model with fine gilded decoration identical at the foot and rim to the Simson service. Armorial crests were executed by special commission which included the 1828 Louis de Bourbon Ewer, the Duke of Aosta service, Service de L'Elysee, Countess of Paris Service and those of other prominent individuals. The service includes: Wine decanter with handle: 10.5 inches high, 5.5 inches diameter Wine Decanter: 10.38 inches high, 5 inches diameter 8 champagne coupes: 5 inches high, 4 inches diameter 8 wine glasses: 5 inches high, 2.63 inches diameter 8 water glasses: 6.63 inches high, 3.57 inches diameter 8 liqueur glasses: 4.13 inches high, 2.13 inches diameter Condition: Very Good. very light age appropriate surface wear Baccarat registered its trademark in 1860 at which time a paper label began to be attached to pieces, very few of these labels have survived. Prior to this period, Baccarat pieces were unsigned, with the exception of some early paperweights bearing the letter B. Early Baccarat is identified by quality, pattern and references. References: Christie's, Auction 2814, January 23, 2014 for a silver brandy warmer by Myer Myers with an identical crest, the lot essay identifying the crest as that of Sampson Simson _ we are grateful to Jill Waddell, Christie's VP, Senior Specialist, Silver Department for her assistance with identifying the Simson crest. A Baccarat wine decanter...

An English sterling silver plate covered biscuit box or tea caddy with hinged finial lid top, attached claw footed gallery tray, and exterior repou...

Fine estate Baccarat Malmaison set of twelve wine glasses 20th Century Named after the famed Chateau de Malmaison, Empress Josephine's favorite residence, this is one of Baccarat's ...

Iconic Baccarat Harcourt 1841. The design has been chosen by some of the most notable figures in the world, Kings, Queens and Popes, for their t...

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

A fine pair of Paris porcelain vases, designed in campana form with the front featuring circular vignettes with landscape scenes, on the reverse are framed musical trophies created t...

This elegant Paris Porcelain pierced basket is oval shaped, with lavishly gilded latticework. The Empire style is timeless, and the latticework of the baskets lends delicacy and light to the design. The white line across the top of the base accentuates the richness of the gold, adding a touch of intensity to the overall design. The long rectangular base of the basket harmonizes with its oval shape, creating a pleasing visual balance. Filled with flowers, this is the perfect centerpiece for a formal dining room table...

As found in Denmark, we see this charming bowl with a etched brass handle used as a decorative piece as well as functional. This could be displayed on a coffee table as well used as ...

Richard Ginori “Pincio Green” Dinner Set This exquisite Pincio Green dinner set by Richard Ginori is distinguished by an imperial green band enriched with gold flowers and leaves, bordered by a green ribbon and a delicate pattern of small gold arches, all set against a pristine white porcelain background. Each piece in the set bears the Richard Ginori green...

Fine large and impressive estate Christofle Empire style caviar serving set Pattern: 4224590 Classic French elegance, this superb scarce four piece caviar set epitomizes luxury and refinement. Composed of an outer two handled presentation dish for ice, a crystal bowl for caviar, a cross bar stand for the caviar bowl and a lid. The handles with attractive stylized sea shell motifs, ideal for serving caviar. This fine Christofle caviar...

An exceptional set of 11 Heinrich Selb porcelain and gold encrusted dinner plates in white body in good antique condition.Listed price is ...

This set of ten beautiful French porcelain soup plates was made by Nast, the Parisian factory renowned for producing porcelain for Napoleon and his imperial court. During the Napole...

Estate Baccarat Harcourt 48 piece set, 12 water, 12 red wine, 12 white wine, 12 champagne coupe glasses France, 20th Century Each piece has been examined and is in excellent conditio...

Fine estate Baccarat decanter in the rare Jonzac pattern which pairs beautifully with Empire and Harcourt patterns- the stopper is identical to Harcourt an...

Important 33 piece set of 1st Empire Champagne Cut-Glass Flutes from Sainte Anne crystal factory in Voneche, 1800 - 1830 cca. The set provenance: Collection Baron Charles Jean Mauri...

Small French decorated butterfly shaped tray featuring hand colored flowers. We see this versatile piece on a cocktail table or used on a vanity holding you're favorite jewelry or tr...

A rare and exceptionally charming set of nine hand-painted Paris porcelain plates, each featuring a distinct botanical motif. The plates are individually identified with the flower’s...

Antique set of ten Empire white and gilt plates with center floral bouquets; with underglaze red markings for L. Ernie 61 Rue du Bac., France, early 180...

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...

A stylish vintage pitcher and matching wash basin, crafted from Old Paris Porcelain and featuring intricate gilt decoration of palmettes and leaves on a white background. The jug is ...

A Tableware set in very fine porcelain made in Italy between the 60s and 70s by the Doccia factory "Richard Ginori". Richard Ginori is an historic Italian ceramic's factory founded in Tuscany, in Sesto Fiorentino, near Florence, of which Gio Ponti was creative director for 10 years. This dinnerware is part of a Manufacture collection inspired by the elegant lines of the Empire style and which was out of stock for a long time. Now, the new ownership of the brand, recently purchased by the Gucci Group, has included the Contessa collection back in the range but without the subtle tone-on-tone trim that embellished the gold encrusted rim. We could say that this vintage dinner service...

This very rare set of 12 delicate cups swan shape with their saucers is signed by Dagoty, one of the favorite manufacturers of Empress Joséphine's first Napoleon wife well known for ...

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

This refined Paris porcelain tea service dates from the early 19th-century and beautifully reflects the elegance and technical mastery of F...

Very rare coffee set composed of 5 pièces : 4 cups with their saucer, and 1 sugar bowl. Whole set in porcelain with stripes patterns made of gold. Handles are painted in red, with an Egyptian-style gilt figure on it. Inner part half gilt. Work from the early 19th century period, in the style of Empire or made during it. Signed with red letters stamped "DARTE / FRERES / A PARIS" on the saucer. Darte Frères was a Parisian porcelain...

Elegant cup and saucer, of the model 'Litron' with elaborate gilt decoration of vine leafs Fair condition; Little hairline. Tiny fleebites to the rims and little loss of gold. Unma...

A beautiful French oval white and gold pierced Paris Porcelain compote basket tazza bowl in the Empire style, circa late 19th century, France...

KPM Porcelain cup decorated with a finely hand painted depiction of two women in nature. Inside with gilding (light wear to the gilding). KPM (Königlich...

Pair of Empire gilt chinoiserie vases. Pair hand-painted and gilt French vases of the Empire period with mask handles and gilt surrounds centering on ...

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

Elegant cup and saucer, of the model 'Litron' with elaborate gilt decoration of vine leafs Good condition;  Tiny fleebites to the rims and little loss of gold. Unmarked, but most l...

Set of ten white and gilt French Empire plates. Empire white and gilt plates with under-glaze red markings for L. Ernie 61 Rue du Bac., France, early 1800....

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...

Small round pewter plate with London and makers mark on the rear side.

Fabulous brass wine or champagne glass cooler from France. This bowl has great, charming and unbeatable patina and wear. Impressive piece with both form and function standing alone o...

Silver-Plated Empire Style Champagne Stand, 20th Century An elegant silver-plated champagne stand in the Empire style, crafted during the 20th century. Raised on a circular engine-t...

A large glass orb on an elegant Empire style silver plate footed tripod base. Orb measures 8 inches in diameter. *Please ignore reflections in glass (the glass is clear and in excell...

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...

An English porcelain potpourri vessel with gold gilt god-like heads and lion paw feet, Empire design, by Crown Derby, circa early-19th century, England. Red makers' mark date range c...

A wonderful vintage set of six Harcourt 1841 white wine glasses by Baccarat, France. Marked Baccarat, France in the bottom. No chipping or damage. Pure, powerful and elegant at the ...

A wonderful French Empire / neoclassical cut crystal and bronze ormolu mounted urn with lady figure handles centerpiece.  

12 Limoges raised gilt enameled Napoleonic plates, circa 1900, each one decorated with gilt laurel surround, filled with golden bees, the center with Napoleonic crest of laurel wreath and monogrammed 'N'. The porcelain is made by Charles Ahrenfeldt Limoges...

A beautiful pair of hand diamond cut Russian crystal and doré bronze mounted oval shaped centerpieces in the Louis XVI style, attributed to the Imperial Russian Glass Manufactory, early 1800s. Each beautiful hand diamond cut crystal bowl...

This exceptional and rare French nécessaire de voyage is almost certainly the work of the highly respected Parisian manufacturer Pierre-Dominique ...

Very Large French Gilt Gold Crystal Suite Drinking Wine Glasses French, c. 1960 Wine glass: Height 18cm, diameter 7cm Cocktail glass: Height 15cm, diameter 10cm This exceptional po...

Direct from Paris: Direct from private mansion in Paris, a magnificent 6 piece antique French sterling silver Empire style tea set by France’s premier silversmith “Puiforcat” – curr...

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...

A superb early 19th century Empire period wash basin (with saucer) and tall pitcher, beautifully crafted from Old Paris Porcelain and featuring a very striking hand-painted polychrom...

French Empire Gilt Bronze Mirror Plateau with Mascaron Feet, Paris, circa 1810 An elegant and refined Empire mirror plateau in fire-gilded bronze, most likely Parisian work from the...

Decorative Victoria Austria porcelain plate, embellished with a magnificent mythological pattern made by hand. With its predominance in cobalt ...

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 '...

Gilt Porcelaine de Paris Openwork Coupe Centerpiece to be placed centrally on the table, for fruit or flowers. Empire Style. French, 19th century center basket, rond form with reticu...

French Empire Style Silver-Plated Champagne Cooler, Mid-20th Century An elegant French champagne cooler in silver-plated metal, crafted in the refined Empire style during the mid-20...

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 ...

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....