Direct from Paris, a magnificent 198-piece sterling silver and gold plated sterling silver flatware set by one of France's premier silversmiths "Gustave Keller". The legacy of French silversmith Gustave Keller stands as a testament to the unparalleled artistry and craftsmanship of 19th and early 20th-century France. Known for its exceptional sterling silver and vermeil creations, Keller’s workshop earned a place among the most prestigious European makers of fine flatware and luxury tableware. By combining technical excellence with artistic innovation, the Maison Keller became synonymous with elegance, refinement, and functionality. Keller’s patronage by royal families, international awards, and its role in perpetuating French artisanal heritage solidify its place in the annals of decorative arts.
Gustave Keller established his silversmithing house in Paris during the mid-19th century, a time when France was at the forefront of the decorative arts. Paris, the epicenter of haute couture, fine art, and luxury, provided the perfect milieu for Keller’s talents to flourish. Keller’s workshop initially focused on producing silver flatware and tableware, but it was the meticulous quality of these items that soon garnered attention from connoisseurs and aristocrats. By the latter half of the 19th century, the Keller name became synonymous with innovation and elegance. The silversmith’s designs often married traditional French styles, such as Rococo and Neoclassicism, with contemporary Art Nouveau elements. This blend of historical and modern influences resonated with clients seeking bespoke silverware that combined timeless beauty with cutting-edge design.
Keller’s work is distinguished by its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each piece of Keller silverware was created using the finest materials, with sterling silver and vermeil (gilded silver) being the most common choices. Keller’s artisans employed traditional handcrafting techniques to ensure the highest quality. Unlike mass-produced items of the industrial age, Keller’s creations were made with a level of precision and artistry that reflected the traditions of French luxury. One hallmark of Keller’s craftsmanship was the intricate detailing and finishing of his flatware and tableware sets. Pieces were often adorned with finely engraved patterns, repoussé designs, and sculptural embellishments. Handles of flatware were sometimes shaped into floral or scroll motifs, showcasing the silversmith’s skill in merging functionality with artistic ornamentation. Keller’s vermeil pieces, in particular, stand out for their lustrous gold coating over sterling silver. This gilding not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the items but also added a layer of durability, making Keller’s vermeil flatware a luxurious yet practical choice for formal dining.
Among Gustave Keller’s most celebrated creations were his sterling silver and vermeil flatware sets. These sets were designed to exude opulence and sophistication, embodying the highest standards of French artistry. These sterling silver flatware & vermeil flatware sets were prized for their durability, elegance, and versatility. Keller’s vermeil pieces, were plated with a thin layer of 24-karat gold, lending them a rich, warm glow. The combination of silver and gold in vermeil pieces exemplified the silversmith’s mastery of materials and his ability to create luxurious objects that appealed to the most discerning clientele.
A key factor in Keller’s rise to prominence was the patronage of royal and aristocratic families. Royal households across Europe, including France, recognized the exceptional quality of Keller’s work and commissioned the silversmith to create bespoke items for their collections. This association with royalty elevated the Keller brand to a level of prestige few others could match. One notable patron of the Maison Keller was the French Emperor Napoleon III. Under his reign during the Second French Empire (1852–1870), France experienced a resurgence of luxury arts, and Keller’s creations were frequently featured at imperial banquets and state events. The association with Napoleon III cemented Keller’s reputation as a premier silversmith, capable of crafting items befitting the highest levels of society. Beyond France, Keller’s work also found favor with international elites. His reputation as a silversmith of unparalleled skill attracted commissions from European monarchs, Russian aristocrats, and wealthy industrialists, ensuring that the Keller brand remained synonymous with luxury and exclusivity.
Keller’s contributions to the decorative arts were widely recognized through numerous awards and accolades. The silversmith regularly exhibited his work at international exhibitions, where his creations were celebrated for their innovation, elegance, and technical mastery. At the 1878 Paris Exposition Universelle, Keller’s creations won a gold medal, highlighting the silversmith’s ability to combine artistry with functionality. The Exposition Universelle was one of the most prestigious global showcases of art, science, and industry, and winning an award there solidified Keller’s reputation as a leader in his field. In subsequent exhibitions, including the 1889 and 1900 Expositions Universelles in Paris, Keller’s work continued to receive critical acclaim. His designs were praised not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for their adherence to the highest standards of craftsmanship. These accolades helped Keller expand his clientele and establish his workshop as one of the most respected names in French silversmithing.
Today, the legacy of Gustave Keller endures through the continued appreciation of his work by collectors, museums, and connoisseurs of fine silver. Keller’s creations are considered masterpieces of decorative art, embodying the values of quality, elegance, and innovation that defined the French luxury tradition. Keller’s flatware sets, in particular, remain highly sought after. Their timeless designs and exceptional craftsmanship make them prized additions to private collections and museum exhibits. Auction houses regularly feature Keller silverware, where the pieces command high prices, reflecting their enduring appeal. Moreover, the influence of Gustave Keller extends beyond the world of silver. His commitment to excellence and his ability to balance tradition with innovation have inspired generations of artisans and designers. Keller’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving artisanal traditions in an age of mass production.
Each piece in this amazingly, privately commissioned 198 pieces set has been hand crafted in 950 Sterling silver and vermeil to the highest of international standards and is a stunning example of the quality and craftsmanship for which the firm is internationally known. The set is in superb condition and it looks like some pieces have never been used. It is of very high quality and the extra dinner knives and forks and vermeil pieces are a rarity and very useful. Each piece bears the Gustave Keller sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark in addition to the French government's Head of the Minerva - 1 hallmark, certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver. There are no monograms on any of the pieces and no evidence that a monogram has been removed. This set is of exceptional quality and craftsmanship and "LIKE NEW" condition and comes with two magnificent storage chests - check the weights and measures below and the crispness of the pattern. The set includes the following (all weights and measures approximate):
24 Dinner Knives 24.80 cm. 89 grams
30 Dinner Forks 22.00 cm. 85 grams
12 Table Spoons 21.80 cm. 97 grams
12 Luncheon Forks in Vermeil 19.00 cm. 58 grams
12 Luncheon Knives with Vermeil Handles 20.50 cm. 57 grams
12 Dessert Forks in Vermeil 19.00 cm. 58 grams
12 Dessert Knives in Vermeil 20.50 cm. 66 grams
12 Dessert Spoons in Vermeil 19.00 cm. 63 grams
12 Fish Forks 19.00 cm. 65 grams
12 Fish Knives 22.30 cm. 76 grams
12 Oyster Forks 13.20 cm. 33 grams
12 Tea / Coffee Spoons in Vermeil 12.80 cm. 23 grams
12 Ice Cream Spoons in Vermeil 14.20 cm. 35 grams
1 Large Salad Serving Spoon with Vermeil Bowl 25.00 cm. 133 grams
1 Large Salad Serving Fork with Vermeil Prongs 25.00 cm. 129 grams
1 Large Serving Fork in Vermeil 25.20 cm. 131 grams
1 Large Serving Spoon in Vermeil 25.00 cm. 138 grams
1 Large Serving Fork 24.80 cm. 132 grams
1 Large Serving Spoon 25.00 cm. 132 grams
1 Large Fish Serving Fork 23.50 cm. 125 grams
1 Large Fish Serving Knife 29.00 cm. 138 grams
1 Large Individual Tart Server in Vermeil 23.30 cm. 121 grams
1 Large Pie / Cake Serving Knife in Vermeil 27.30 cm. 123 grams
1 Large Pie Serving Knife in Vermeil 27.80 cm. 155 grams
1 Gravy / Sauce Serving Ladle 18.60 cm. 91 grams
