French Objets d'Art and Vertu

This chatelaine was made from silver in France in the second half of the 19th century. It carries a French makers mark in an upright lozenge with the initials EG. Most probably it wa...

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky Quartz, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt, rock-crystal, jade, obsidian, mother-of-pearl, and smoky quartz carved jeweled sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1991. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved smoky -quartz and jade horse with a harness mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, rubies, turquoise, and amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the bottom with gold and mother of pearl plaques. The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / N° 05 / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5003 D The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10.5" high x 8.5" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...

Metallic art tie designed by Pierre Cardin. Very rare metallic tie, created in Paris France by the fashion designer Pierre Cardin, back in the 1970. It was crafted as a piece of art...

Cartier 3 birds pendant brooch in 18k white gold and extra heart shape emerald With 60 round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity- E color, 2.50ct Measurements: 72x 34 cm / 2 3/4" x...

Vintage “YSL” Yves Saint Laurent Retro Gold Silver Lighter, Circa 1980s Vintage “YSL” Yves Saint Laurent Retro Cigarette Gold and Silver Tone Lighter, Circa 1980s Original Case “YS...

Enamelled silver gilt box, Cartier Paris, French, circa 1930. A silver gilt box in black enamel, the top centred with a stylized floral design, the hin...

Cartier Sapphire and Diamond Belt Buckle A rectangular gold belt buckle set with sapphires and round-cut diamonds Signed: Cartier Paris and numb...

A French neo-classic box designed by Piat-Joseph Sauvage (1744-1818). This is an exceptional beautiful presentation round box created in Paris France by Piat-Joseph Sauvage during the late 18th century, circa 1780-90. The box is most probably a snuff box, designed in the style of Louis XVI, during the French neo-classical period. The main mountings have been carefully crafted with parts made up in solid yellow gold of 18-19 karats decorated with classic motifs. These mountings are holdings the carvings of tortoise-shells and the lacquered chinois panels. The main in grisaille painted round panel on top is the allegorical representation of the medicine, performed by a draped seated muse holding a caduceus. Grisaille is a painting executed entirely in shades of grey or of another neutral greyish colour, it is particularly used in large decorative schemes in imitation of sculpture. Piat-Joseph Sauvage He was a painter, sculptor, printmaker and academic lecturer from the Southern Netherlands. He was known for his decorative paintings of interiors, grisailles and miniatures using trompe l'oeil effects as well as his small-scale portrait carvings. He often used precious materials such as marble, porcelain and ivory as the support for his paintings. He was a court painter to the governor of the Southern Netherlands, the Prince de Condé and the French king Louis XVI and a member of the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture. Sauvage was born in Tournai as the son of Antoine, a glass cutter. He worked in his father's factory until the age of 17, while completing his study at the school of drawing in Tournai. He went on to improve his artistic education at the Antwerp Academy under the direction of Martin Joseph Geeraerts, an expert in grisaille and history paintings. He worked for a time in Brussels in the service of the governor general of the Southern Netherlands. He then left for France where he joined the Académie de Saint-Luc in Paris. In 1774 he made nine paintings including grisaille bas-reliefs representing The Death of Germanicus. Sauvage was accepted into the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture after he produced a trompe l'oeil painting of a round table with an embroidered cloth on which are placed a statue of a child, a helmet, books, a violin, and other items. This canvas is at the Palace of Fontainebleau which also has other over the door decorative works by Sauvage. As his fame grew, he was appointed the court painter of the Prince de Condé, and later of the French king Louis XVI and the Royal Family. During this period, he painted Marie-Antoinette and produced paintings for the chapel of Saint-Cloud. His appointment as royal artist did not keep him from joining the popular side of the French Revolution. His painting surprisingly did not slow down during this period of political upheaval. From 1804 to 1807, he painted porcelain figurines for the famous Sèvres porcelain factory. In 1808 he returned to Tournai to become the director of the local Academy of Drawing. During his tenure, artists such as Antoine Payen studied there. He also painted the Seven Sacraments in the choir of Tournai cathedral which replaced tapestries stolen by the French during the French occupation of the Southern Netherlands. Country: Paris, France. Period: Neo-Classical, 1780-1790. Materials: Yellow gold, carved tortoise, lacquer chinois, glass and paint. Weight: 73.70 Grams, (47.25 Dwt). Measurements: Diameter 82.55 mm by Height 38 mm, (3.25 x 1.50 Inches). Hallmarks: The gold mountings are stamped with French marks, the maker's mark for the gold parts, twice with the head of the eagle for the assay and warranty of the 18kt gold and signed as follows, The painted panel, "SAUVAGE", The label "COLLECTION S. BULGARI ROME FRANCESE 1780-1790, OR, JOSEPH SAUVAGE"; The fitted leather box "BVLARI ROMA". Provenance: From the private collection of Sotirio Bvlgari...

Born from a legacy of precision and luxury, S.T. Dupont continues to embody the very essence of exquisite craftsmanship that has characterised its illustrious history. The maison, re...

18k Yellow Gold Signature Classic Large Double C Belt Buckle by Cartier. Details: Weight: 40.1 grams Measurements: Buckle: 42mm x 49mm Fits belt strap ...

Small study globe Polar mounting on a blackened wooden base. Signed: J. Forest in Paris. France, late 19th century Diam. 6 cm. H. 14 cm.

Vintage Cartier 14k solid gold ink tray and pen holder accessory. Measuring 2 5/8" x 2 5/8". Depth of the tray 8mm. Decorated with enamel in the c...

As a pioneer in luxury accessories, S.T. Dupont enjoys a celebrated history that stretches back to the 19th century. Recognised for its innovation and meticulous craftsmanship, the m...

A small Charles X ball notebook in mother-of-pearl and ormolu chiselled with flowers and flowery interlacings. Engraved in French "Souvenir", decorated with branches and Palais-Royal typical enamel flower on one face, and with simple branches on the other face. Il has its original paper pencil. French Palais...

New and ultra rare " Pierre Marly Sourcilla sunglasses. Spotless rose lenses. Amazing clear oversized frame. Chic and crazy 1960’s Pierre Marly very own cocktail scene. A real t...

Small perfum bottle in gold and enamel. The flask is decorated with palmettes and foliage motifs in white and black enamel on black enamel background. Two gold chains permitted the s...

Vintage “YSL” Yves Saint Laurent Retro Laquer & Gold Lighter, Circa 1980s Vintage “YSL” Yves Saint Laurent Retro Cigarette Black Lacquer Gold Lighter, Circa 1980s Original Case “Y...

Beautiful Art Deco piece that was made in France in the 1930s An overlaid and etched glass vase, cameo signature Gallé. Beautiful orange and red colors combining a special ombre loo...

Decorated overall with figures, buildings, birds and foliage, the hinged top enclosing a red-painted interior. Measures: 4 in. (10 cm.) high; 7,6 in. (19 cm.) wide; 6,4 in. (16 cm.) ...

Starton No1 - Vintage, Antique powder case, could date back to roaring 1920s. Has built in mirror and and a lipstick holder It a perfect vanity c...

This is a Limoges wine list trinket box. A wine bottle laid on an open book with a wine list. Brass framed box with a grape clasp. This hand painted box have the artist GR signed in...

Bottle of conical shape in faceted crystal and gold frame which opens by a hinge. Inside, the stopper has a bird-shaped grip. Once closed, the stopper forms a "cage" for the latter. ...

This exceptional and rare antique French silver and niello vesta case dating to circa 1880 is made by A. Dubois. The front of the vesta case is decorated with a pair of birds sittin...

Objet d'art watch in the shape of an egg. It has romantic scenes in enamel on cooper with a gilt brass fusee movement and round baluster pillars. This piece ...

Antique French Gothic arch form gilt bronze vanity mirror 19th Century. Finely detailed gilded bronze with unusual trefoil design and beautiful antique gold patina. Easel back with ...

Green leather case with several gussets and bound sheets. The case opens with a gold clasp. Inside the case, an oval miniature is pr...

Since 1872, S.T. Dupont has made its mark in the pantheon of luxurious craftsmanship, emerging as a beacon of elegance and tradition. Originating in France, this eminent maison is ve...

Piel Frères Art Nouveau double prong buckle circa 1900. Of rich matte gilt bronze foliage and japanned silver plated blooming poppies with matte gilt detai...

Presenting a unique antique bronze figurine by the renowned French Animalier sculptor Christophe Fratin. This is a very charming, miniature br...

Vintage Light Holder with a rat in chains. It's called "Trapped Rat" and is the last one of the 5 ever produced- It has a Gun Metal Colored Ruthenium Plating. Measurement: Height...

Multi-lobed, gold vinaigrette with black enamel embellished with a diamond shape. The hinged lid is decorated with enamel flowers in green, pink, and white. The vinaigrette opens to ...

The illustrious maison of S.T. Dupont stands as a beacon of luxury, precision, and timeless design. Founded in 1872, this venerable brand has crafted some of the world's finest light...

S.T. Dupont's rich heritage is reflected in its meticulous craftsmanship and elegant designs, epitomised by the Ligne 2 Small series. Revered for its exceptional build and elegant fu...

Vintage Bric Paris Lipstick Lighter Antique Snake Skin BRIC LUX Paris (Bric was producing lighters for “Hermes”) Vintage petrol lighter Lipstick shap...

Influenced by the Art-Nouveau illustrations of Alphonse Mucha, this Nancy-signed antique French enameled glass jewelry box display case is decora...

A fine antique English electroplate charger. By Elkington & Co. Designed by Léonard Morel-Ladeuil for the 1876 Philadelphia Exhibition. In the Neo-Grec manner with a stylized Pom...

"Hermès Alezan & Parchemine Epsom Leather Verso Globe-Trotter Agenda Cover PM Product Details Xupes Ref: CAA0118 Brand: Hermès Model: Globe-Trotter Agenda Cover PM Type: Travel Seri...

Vintage “YSL” Yves Saint Laurent Retro Cigarette Gold Tone Lighter, Circa 1980s Original Case “YSL” Yves Saint Laurent retro cigarette lighter Logo Gold Black Gray Blue The Lighter ...

Christian Dior gold plate tie clip featuring a front Dior logo, a textured ground. Circa 1990s Original Gray Velvet Case In fantastic vintage condition * polished finish * signatu...

Art glass vase sign: Daum Nancy France. Evidenced by this Daum sculptural colorless blown and hot-shaped lead-crystal heavy vessel vase, the finest irreproducible artistic works in the history of the iconic French decorative-glass maker feature ornamental thick glass applications. Its most in-demand pieces today were made between 1925 and 1935, with very few major ArtDeco-period pieces remaining in private hands and even less without damage. A similarly shaped, constructed and sized circa-1925 vase with "stylized foliage" motif is in the collection of the French Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris as Inventory #36309 acquired from Don Jacques Daum. A later-produced vase with a similar application-motif at just the rim, but in a "Champagne" bubbled style, is among the photos in the published book about the Leo and Irina Esterkin acquisitions from 1910-1940 titled Daum Art Deco Glass--A Private Collection. On our prime-condition antique vase, applied transparent glass is styled in high relief into a flowing undulating motif that evolved from Daum's Art Nouveau foliage designs. The angular and curvilinear shapes of this vessel epitomize the bold vases, bowls and sculptures for which Daum is best known. Its tiny pencil-etched signature on the side near the bottom reads "Daum (plus the Lorraine-cross symbol) Nancy France", which resembles some published signatures since 1925. Revealing how ahead of its time this particular design was--after WWII in 1945 coinciding with the revitalization of the French glass industry--Daum used...

Custom made black silk velvet evening purse decorated with script "RENEE" worked in sparkling pave diamonds. Bag is edged in a fine silk satin piping and is lined in satin as well. Snap closure.
Retailed through Henri Beatrix...

Vintage Silver Plated ST Dupont Ligne 2 Lighter 1990s In Box The iconic S.T. Dupont name is known for quality, well-made cigarette lighters and other ...

This buckle is in fine bright condition considering his age. It was made from polished steel towards the end of the 18th century. It is decorateted with 14 rosettes, each rosette is ...

A wonderful pair of antique Champagne nippers or wire cutters. Likely French with an ornate gilt bronze sheath, cornucopia handles, and steel blades. A real rarity and a must-have ...

Vintage Christian Dior Gold Plate Tie Clip Circa 1980 In Original Case Featuring a front Dior logo, a textured ground. “Circa 1990” Original Gray Velvet with Black Satin Case In fa...

S.T. Dupont, a symbol of luxury and innovation, has been at the forefront of crafting exquisite lighters since its inception. Known for their refined elegance and impeccable construc...

Copernican-type planetary globe in cardboard and engraved paper mounted on a blackened wooden stand. France, circa 1810. H. 54 cm Diam. 36 cm Antique armillary spheres...

Brooch with a micromosaic set in a gold and royal blue enameled gold setting. Rectangular micromosaic on black onyx representing a spaniel lying in the...

A girl, head and shoulders, her dark hair in ringlets, on grey back, gilt-metal mounted Oval, 70mm high Within ebonized square frame.

This silver watchchain was made in the last quarter of the 19th century. It is made out of smooth foxtail silver chains, with two slides with the surface of a stylized pine apple. On...

Vintage Gold Plated Celine Cufflinks & Tie Clip 3 Piece Set in Original Case, “Circa 1970s” This stunning set features gold and silver metal fittings with a vintage look. Stylish, C...

Study globe Polar mounting on a blackened wooden base. Signed J. FOREST in Paris. France, late 19th century Diam. 8 cm. H. 17 cm.

Very nice high quality French Empire clock, showing a Cupid holding two flag. The opaline dial with Roman and Arabic numbers. The watch is signed by Eugene Bornand Height 19in (48cm)

The pendant holding a late 18th century portrait miniature of a gentleman, mounted in gold, length 5.3cm.

This silver seal with an unused signet plate epitomizes strong French Art Nouveau design. Beautiful swirls, expressive pine branches and cones make uo this harmonious decor. The sea...

Fossin et Fils Leather Grained Necklace Box from the mid 19th Century. Designed to hold a massive Revivalist Gold necklace with multiple pendants as well as bracelets. Deep Burgundy ...

Amythest and 18k Tri Color Gold Sulphide Cameo Scent Bottle on Stand, early 19th Century, possibly by Baccarat. A custom made period stand in sterling allows the bottle to be display...

This beautifully executed buckle designed as a weath of oars was made in the late 18th-very early 19th century. During this period buckles were worn with clothes or hats. The buckle...

Rare Vintage Pierre Balmain “Circa 1980s” Cufflinks & Neck Tie Original Case These Balmain vintage cufflinks from the 1980s is a must-have for any fashion enthusiast. Crafted from ...

A Retro gold fan-shaped hand mirror with engraved design and twisted borders, set with a cabochon ruby, in 18k. Cartier, #795. Original silk fitted case. The perimeter of the mirror...