Direct from Paris: A magnificent 8pc. Antique French 950 sterling silver tea set by one of France’s premier French silversmiths "Boin-Taburet", plus 6 Fabergé Imperial Egg collection espresso cups and saucers in fine Limoges porcelain, circa late 1890s. In the annals of French decorative arts, the name “Boin-Taburet” occupies a distinguished position as a symbol of luxury, technical mastery, and refined aesthetic sensibility. Revered among connoisseurs of antique silverware, the firm became synonymous with the revival and elevation of historical French styles in the late 19th century, particularly during the Belle Époque, a time characterized by optimism, cultural flourishing, and an appetite for ornate, historically inspired design. The firm was especially celebrated for its 950 sterling silver tea sets, which continue to be prized for their exceptional craftsmanship and design integrity. Through their dedication to traditional techniques and innovative interpretations of classical forms, Boin-Taburet became purveyors of excellence whose legacy endures in the collections of private collectors, museums, and royal households.
The Origins of Boin Taburet: The origins of the firm trace back to Georges Boin, an antique dealer and a visionary in the revivalist arts movement of 19th century France. Boin was not merely a dealer; he was a tastemaker who deeply understood the cultural and historical contexts of the objects he promoted. He partnered with Émile Taburet, a silversmith of formidable talent, and together they established a Maison that would redefine French silverwork by resurrecting the techniques and styles of the “Ancien Régime”, particularly those of the Louis XV and Louis XVI periods. This partnership, officially founded in the 1870s, combined Boin’s deep appreciation of French decorative arts history with Taburet’s masterful technical abilities, resulting in silverware that was both historically informed and contemporarily exquisite.
At a time when industrialization was transforming craftsmanship and threatening traditional artisanal practices, Boin-Taburet took a deliberate stance in favor of artistry over mass production. Each object was meticulously handcrafted by master silversmiths who were rigorously trained in age-old techniques. Hammering, chasing, engraving, and casting were performed with scrupulous attention to detail, and the final pieces were polished to a mirror-like finish that highlighted their intricate forms and surfaces.
Boin-Taburet 950 Sterling Silver Tea Sets: Among their many celebrated productions, Boin-Taburet’s tea sets stand out as paragons of elegance, function, and artistic innovation. These sets typically included a teapot, coffee pot, sugar bowl, milk jug, and serving tray—each element designed not only for utility but as a canvas for artistic expression. The design language was often derived from 18th-century French Rococo and Neoclassical motifs, which were revived with a new intensity and exactitude. Swirling acanthus leaves, floral garlands, shell medallions, and mythological creatures adorned the surfaces, all executed in high relief with remarkable precision. The forms themselves were perfectly balanced, with handles and spouts elegantly integrated into the overall silhouette, and lids that fit with a satisfying precision that spoke to the technical expertise behind each component.
The interiors of these vessels were typically gilt with 24k gold, a technique both decorative and functional, as it protected the silver from tarnish and acidic contents. The juxtaposition of gleaming silver and glowing gold created a visual richness that was deeply appealing to the affluent clientele the firm attracted. Every hinge, joint, and lid was engineered with an artisan's care, demonstrating a mechanical precision that was rare even among the finest workshops of the era.
One of the defining features of Boin-Taburet's work was their fidelity to historical models, but this was never mere replication. Rather, they approached historical designs as living traditions, worthy of reinterpretation and elevation. In particular, their work was influenced by the “gout Français” - the French taste of the 18th century, which prized harmony, elegance, and richly ornamented design. Boin-Taburet’s tea sets are thus often described as “historicist,” yet their quality and freshness of execution imbued them with a vitality that set them apart from mere pastiche. Their works did not merely mimic the past - they reanimated it.
Serving European Royalty: The firm’s reputation for excellence attracted not only the French elite but also international patrons, including royalty. The firm enjoyed international royal patronage, a distinction that further elevated its status among luxury purveyors. Their creations were acquired by aristocratic families across Europe and found pride of place in royal households. This patronage was more than ceremonial; it was a testament to the quality, prestige, and desirability of Boin-Taburet’s creations. Being appointed as a supplier to royal courts was a rigorous process, involving standards of perfection that few ateliers could meet. For Boin-Taburet, it was both a recognition and a challenge—a call to maintain their standard of excellence in every piece they produced.
Awards and Accolades: Boin-Taburet’s work was also widely acclaimed in international expositions, which were the preeminent stages for showcasing industrial and artistic innovation during the 19th century. Boin-Taburet participated in several “Expositions Universelles”, where they garnered numerous awards and accolades. Most notably, at the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris, the same fair that introduced the Eiffel Tower to the world, Boin-Taburet’s creations received high honors. Their work was praised for its synthesis of historical accuracy and contemporary relevance, as well as for the sheer beauty and quality of the silverwork. These accolades served to further enhance their reputation and secure their place among the premier silversmiths of their era.
What distinguished Boin-Taburet from other contemporary workshops was the holistic nature of their vision. They did not merely produce isolated objects but rather ensembles - complete tea sets, table services, and toilette sets - that created a unified aesthetic experience. These sets were often housed in custom-fitted, velvet-lined wooden cases, reflecting the care and attention given not just to the objects themselves but to their preservation and presentation. This commitment to total design was rooted in a deeply held belief that beauty and utility could, and should, coexist.
Collectors and scholars today continue to prize Boin-Taburet’s 19th-century tea sets not only for their beauty but for what they represent: the zenith of French silversmithing at a time when the country was asserting its cultural dominance on the global stage. These objects encapsulate the ideals of the Belle Époque - confidence, luxury, and a belief in the power of art to elevate daily life. Moreover, they offer insight into a broader movement within French decorative arts that sought to reclaim and recontextualize the glories of the “Ancien Régime” within a modern framework.
The Legacy of Boin-Taburet: The firm’s commitment to quality did not diminish with the passing decades, but like many ateliers rooted in handcrafted production, Boin-Taburet eventually succumbed to the changing tides of industrialization and shifting aesthetic tastes in the early 20th century. However, their legacy is preserved in the museums and private collections that continue to celebrate the craftsmanship and artistry of their work. Institutions such as the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London house pieces by Boin-Taburet, recognizing them not only as functional objects but as important cultural artifacts.
The antique market for Boin-Taburet tea sets remains robust, with collectors seeking out examples that bear the firm’s signature maker’s marks, often accompanied by French silver hallmarks indicating the 950 purity and the specific assay office. Provenance, condition, and the completeness of the set all affect value, but even individual pieces command high prices due to their rarity and historical significance. These tea sets are not merely utilitarian items; they are sculptures in silver, imbued with a sense of time, place, and purpose.
In examining a Boin-Taburet tea set, like this amazing 950 sterling set, one is struck not only by the richness of its ornamentation but also by its architectural coherence. The proportion of the vessels, the flow of the handles and spouts, and the unity of decorative elements across the set reveal a profound understanding of design principles. These are not the results of mere decorative impulse, but of rigorous artistic planning and execution. The effect is harmonious and luxurious, but never ostentatious - a reflection of the refined tastes of the clientele they served.
While modern design has largely embraced minimalism and mass production, there remains a deep appreciation for the kind of work exemplified by Boin-Taburet - a celebration of the handmade, the historical, and the beautiful. In today’s world, where authenticity and craftsmanship are once again being valued, their legacy feels more relevant than ever. Their tea sets are not only vestiges of a bygone era but touchstones for a renewed appreciation of what artistry in domestic objects can achieve.
The Faberge Imperial Egg Collection: Founded in 1842 by Gustave Fabergé, the house of Fabergé gained international fame and fortune with their imperial jeweled easter egg collection. In 1882 Tsar Alexander III gave his wife Empress Maria Feodorovna a gift of a Fabergé jeweled easter egg. Maria was so delighted with the gift that Alexander appointed Fabergé a "Goldsmith by Special Appointment to the Imperial Crown" and complete freedom to design future Imperial Easter Eggs. A total of 50 different Imperial Egg patterns were created. The Imperial Eggs enjoyed great worldwide fame and international clients included the Duchess of Marlborough, the Rothschild family and numerous European royalty. This stunning espresso cup and saucer set in Limoges porcelain includes 6 different imperial egg patterns.
Set Composition: Boin-Taburet represents the apotheosis of 19th-century French silverwork. Their mastery of 950 sterling silver, reverence for historical design, and unyielding standards of craftsmanship positioned them as leaders in the decorative arts during a golden age of French culture. Their works were not only celebrated by their contemporaries but have stood the test of time, continuing to captivate modern audiences with their elegance, technical brilliance, and historical resonance. In the quiet gleam of a Boin-Taburet teapot or the delicate curvature of a sugar bowl handle, we glimpse the soul of an era - and the hand of the master who gave it form. Privately commissioned, this is truly an amazing 8pc. set of unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. It includes a rare set of 6 Fabergé Imperial Egg collection espresso cups and matching saucers in delicate Limoges porcelain.
The majestic Samovar (Water Fountain) stands roughly 39.00cm. high to the top of the lid, is approximately 23.00cm. across to the tip of the spout and weights 2,270 grams. It bears the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark, certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver, in addition to the Henin Frères sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark and is stamped "Boin-Taburet a Paris" on the underside.
The Coffee server stands roughly 21.50cm. high to the top of the lid, is approximately 22.00cm. across to the tip of the handle and weights 698 grams. It bears the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark, certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver, in addition to the Henin Freres sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark and is stamped "Boin-Taburet a Paris 49213 16" on the underside.
The Teapot is roughly 18.50cm. high to the top of the lid, approximately 22.50cm. across from the tip of the spout to the outside of the handle and weights 701 grams. It also bears the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark, certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver, in addition to the Henin Freres sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark and is stamped "Boin-Taburet a Paris 49208 16" on the underside.
The Hot Chocolate server stands roughly 22.00cm. high to the top of the lid, is approximately 21.00cm. across to the tip of the handle and weights 733 grams. It bears the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark, certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver, in addition to the Henin Frères sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark and is stamped "Boin-Taburet a Paris 51103 17" on the underside.
The elegant Sugar Bowl stands approximately 17.00cm. high to the top of the lid, roughly 13.50cm. across to the outside of the handles and weights 560 grams. It bears the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark, certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver, in addition to the Henin Frères sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark and is stamped "Boin-Taburet a Paris 49665 16" on the underside.
The Cream Pitcher stand approximately 11.00cm. high to the top of the handle, is roughly 12.00cm. across from the tip of the spout to the outside of the handle and weights 195 grams. It bears the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark, certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver, in addition to the Henin Frères sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark and is stamped "Boin-Taburet a Paris 49214 16" on the underside.
The sturdy Candy / Biscuit Dish is roughly 6.00cm. high, approximately 15.00cm. in length to the tips of the handles and weights 275 grams. It also bears the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark, certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver, in addition to the Henin Frères sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark and is stamped "Boin-Taburet a Paris 48511 16" on the underside.
The massive serving tray is approximately 63.70cm. in length, 51.00cm. across at its widest point and weights in excess of 3,100 grams. It also bears the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark, certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver, in addition to the Henin Freres sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark and is stamped "Boin-Taburet a Paris" on the underside.
Each Faberge Jeweled Easter Egg designed espresso cup and saucer together stand 6.30cm. in height and the saucer has a diameter of 12.00cm. Each is stamped in gold on the underside with the "Faberge" Emblem and "Limoges France". Each cup by itself is 6.00cm. high, has a diameter of 5.50cm. and is stamped in gold on the underside with the "Faberge Emblem" and "Limoges France". There are two Faberge Imperial Egg designs on each espresso cup - one on each side.
