Boin-Taburet & Faberge, - 8pc. 950 Sterling Tea Set + 6 Faberge Espresso Cups

Direct from Paris, a gorgeous 19th century Louis XVI, 8 pc. 950 sterling silver the / coffee set by one of France's premier silversmiths, Gustave Keller. The set is in like new condition and includes a large sterling silver serving tray and 7 anti-tarnish storage wraps for easy storage - Circa 1890s. The art of silversmithing has long been a hallmark of French craftsmanship, embodying the nation's rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence. Among the luminaries of this venerable tradition, Gustave Keller stands out as a paragon of skill, innovation, and elegance. Active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Keller's work epitomizes the fusion of technical mastery and aesthetic refinement that characterizes the finest French silverware. The Early Years: Gustave Keller was born in the mid-19th century, a period marked by significant social, political, and artistic transformations in France. The aftermath of the French Revolution and the rise of the bourgeoisie created a new market for luxury goods, including silverware. Keller emerged as a prominent figure in this milieu, establishing himself as a master silversmith whose work would grace the tables of royalty and aristocracy. Keller's apprenticed under some of the most esteemed silversmiths in Paris, the epicenter of French silversmithing. By the late 19th century, he had established his own workshop, where he produced a wide range of silver items, from tableware to decorative objects. His work quickly gained recognition for its exceptional quality and artistic merit, earning him a distinguished clientele and numerous accolades. Quality and Craftsmanship: The hallmark of Gustave Keller's work is its unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. Keller was a perfectionist, and his pieces reflect a meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the properties of silver. He worked primarily in 950 sterling silver, a high-grade alloy containing 95% pure silver, which is renowned for its luster, durability, and workability. This choice of material allowed Keller to create pieces that were not only beautiful but also functional and long-lasting. Keller's craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of his work, from the precision of his engraving to the elegance of his designs. He was particularly known for his ability to blend traditional techniques with innovative approaches, resulting in pieces that were both timeless and contemporary. His tea sets, for example, often feature intricate floral motifs, delicate chasing, and finely detailed handles and spouts, all executed with a level of skill that is truly remarkable. One of the most striking aspects of Keller's work is his ability to imbue his pieces with a sense of movement and life. This is particularly evident in his Louis XVI model tea sets, where the curves and lines of the silverware seem to flow seamlessly, creating a harmonious and dynamic composition. The result is a collection of pieces that are not only functional but also works of art in their own right. Royal Patronage: Gustave Keller's reputation for excellence soon attracted the attention of royalty and aristocracy. His work was highly sought after by European nobility, who appreciated the combination of luxury and artistry that his pieces embodied. Among his most notable patrons were members of the French royal family, who commissioned Keller to create bespoke silverware for their palaces and estates. Keller's royal patronage was a testament to his status as one of the leading silversmiths of his time. His ability to cater to the tastes and preferences of his elite clientele, while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship, set him apart from his contemporaries. His work was not only a symbol of wealth and status but also a reflection of the cultural and artistic values of the French aristocracy. One of the most significant commissions Keller received was from the court of Louis XVI. The king, known for his appreciation of fine art and craftsmanship, was particularly fond of Keller's work and commissioned a series of tea sets in the Louis XVI style – like this magnificent set. These sets, which are among Keller's most celebrated creations, exemplify the elegance and sophistication of French silversmithing during this period. Awards and Accolades: Throughout his career, Gustave Keller received numerous awards and accolades, both in France and internationally. His work was regularly exhibited at prestigious events such as the Exposition Universelle in Paris, where it was met with critical acclaim. These exhibitions provided Keller with a platform to showcase his talent and to gain recognition from his peers and the public alike. One of the most significant honors Keller received was the Grand Prix at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris. This award, which was the highest accolade at the event, was a testament to Keller's exceptional skill and artistry. It also cemented his reputation as one of the leading silversmiths of his generation. In addition to the Grand Prix, Keller received numerous other awards and medals throughout his career. These included the Gold Medal at the 1889 Exposition Universelle, the Silver Medal at the 1894 Exposition Internationale in Lyon, and the Legion of Honor, one of France's highest civilian awards. These accolades not only recognized Keller's contributions to the field of silversmithing but also highlighted the importance of French craftsmanship on the global stage. Keller's 950 Sterling Tea Sets...

Direct from Paris: A stunning 5pc., antique French 950 sterling silver tea set by the world's premier French silversmiths "Emile Puiforcat" (currently owned by Hermes) and "Christofl...

Direct from St. Tropez:  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 322-piece flatware set plus a 15 piece Serving platter set in their classic shell pattern, absolutely magnificent, circa late 1890s. The 19th century represented a golden age for French decorative arts, particularly in the realm of silversmithing, where technical precision and artistic innovation converged to produce some of the most exquisite tableware in European history. Among the luminaries of this era, the Parisian firm Boin-Taburet emerged as a preeminent force, celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, royal patronage, and the enduring beauty of its silver creations. Specializing in sterling silver and vermeil flatware, as well as ornate serving pieces such as Louis XVI-style platters, Boin-Taburet’s work epitomized the elegance and sophistication of French luxury during a period marked by opulent dining culture and aristocratic refinement. The Early Years:  The origins of Boin-Taburet can be traced to the early 19th century, a time when Paris reasserted itself as the epicenter of fine silver production following the upheavals of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The firm’s exact founding date remains uncertain due to incomplete archival records, but it is widely accepted that it rose to prominence during the Bourbon Restoration (1814–1830) and the subsequent July Monarchy (1830–1848). These periods witnessed a resurgence of aristocratic wealth and a renewed demand for luxury goods, creating fertile ground for master silversmiths to thrive.  Boin-Taburet distinguished itself early on by adhering to the highest standards of craftsmanship while embracing stylistic influences from both the Empire and Restoration periods. The firm’s name likely derives from its founders, though historical documentation regarding its earliest proprietors is sparse. What is clear, however, is that by the mid-19th century, Boin-Taburet had secured a place among the elite Parisian silversmiths, alongside illustrious contemporaries such as Odiot, Christofle, and Puiforcat. The firm’s workshops, likely located in the historic silversmithing district of the Marais, employed highly skilled artisans who specialized in forging, chasing, and gilding silver, ensuring that each piece met exacting standards.  The 19th century was a transformative period for French silver, as the burgeoning bourgeoisie and the returning aristocracy sought tableware that reflected their social standing. Boin-Taburet responded to this demand by producing works that blended functionality with artistic grandeur. The firm’s designs frequently drew inspiration from the Louis XVI style, a neoclassical aesthetic characterized by symmetry, floral motifs, and restrained elegance. This stylistic choice not only aligned with the prevailing tastes of the time but also ensured that Boin-Taburet’s creations would remain timeless, transcending the fleeting trends that influenced other manufacturers.  Focus on Quality:  The foundation of Boin-Taburet’s enduring reputation lay in its unwavering commitment to quality. Unlike many manufacturers who began to adopt industrial techniques in the latter half of the 19th century, Boin-Taburet remained steadfast in its dedication to traditional handcrafting methods. Each piece was meticulously shaped, engraved, and finished by master silversmiths who had undergone years, if not decades, of apprenticeship to perfect their skills. This painstaking approach ensured that every item bore the hallmarks of exceptional artistry - precise detailing, balanced proportions, and a flawless surface finish.  A defining feature of Boin-Taburet’s work was its use of 950 sterling silver, a higher silver content than the standard 925 (Britannia silver) commonly used by other firms. This elevated purity not only enhanced the metal’s luster but also improved its resistance to tarnishing, making Boin-Taburet’s pieces particularly desirable for discerning clients. The firm’s Louis XVI-style serving platters, for example, were crafted from this superior alloy, resulting in pieces that were both visually striking and remarkably durable. These platters often featured elaborate chased borders adorned with acanthus leaves, floral swags, and scalloped edges, demonstrating the silversmiths’ ability to manipulate silver into intricate, three-dimensional forms.  In addition to sterling silver, Boin-Taburet excelled in the production of vermeil - a technique that involved the application of a thick layer of gold over sterling silver through either fire-gilding or electrolysis. Vermeil flatware sets...

Direct from Paris, a stunning 282pc. antique French sterling silver flatware set by internationally known French silversmith Boin- Taburet, in excellent condition and complete with 1...