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 "Christofle", plus 4 Faberge Imperial Egg Collection Espresso Cups & Saucers and a Candy Dish in fine Limoges Porcelain, An Ultra Luxurious Addition to any Stately Home and Absolutely Magnificent, circa late 1890s.
The French silversmiths Christofle (formerly known as Cardeilhac), and Puiforcat (currently owned by Hermes) stand as prominent figures in the history of silver craftsmanship. With a legacy that spans over two centuries, the firms have been synonymous with excellence in silverware, catering to the needs of French royalty, the elite, and connoisseurs of fine craftsmanship worldwide. Carl Fabergé also a name synonymous with unparalleled craftsmanship and opulent artistry, stands as a luminary figure in the world of jewelry design.
The House of Puiforcat was founded in 1820 by Emile Puiforcat, a visionary silversmith who sought to redefine traditional craftsmanship with a modern perspective. The brand quickly gained recognition for its commitment to exceptional quality and its avant-garde designs that pushed the boundaries of silversmithing. In its early years, Puiforcat became a favored choice for French aristocracy and European nobility, solidifying its reputation as a leading silverware manufacturer.
The history of Christofle (Cardeilhac) traces its roots to the early 19th century. In 1830, Charles Christofle, a jeweler from Paris, joined forces with Antoine Cardeilhac, a talented silversmith, to form a partnership that would later become one of the most celebrated names in silverware. Initially named Cardeilhac, the company quickly gained recognition for its exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to quality. One of the factors that contributed significantly to the success of Cardeilhac was its early association with French royalty. In 1842, the company received the prestigious title of "Fournisseur de l'Empereur" (Supplier to the Emperor) under Napoleon III. This royal patronage not only elevated Cardeilhac's reputation but also provided access to a wealthy and influential clientele.
The House of Fabergé traces its roots to the early 19th century when Gustav Fabergé, a skilled jeweler of French descent, founded the family business in St. Petersburg. His son, Carl Fabergé, took over the firm in 1872 and began to shape its destiny. Under Carl's visionary leadership, the House of Fabergé quickly gained prominence for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, becoming the jeweler of choice for the Russian imperial family. The pinnacle of Carl Fabergé's artistic expression lies in the Imperial Eggs, a series of 50 ornate Easter eggs commissioned by the Russian imperial family between 1885 and 1917. These eggs, often referred to as the "Fabergé Eggs," are unparalleled masterpieces that blend intricate craftsmanship with symbolic storytelling. Each Imperial Egg is a triumph of creativity and technical prowess, featuring a unique design and concealing a surprise or "objet d'art" within.
The Imperial Eggs not only captivated the imperial family but also garnered international admiration from European royalty and affluent collectors, further solidifying the House of Fabergé as a symbol of unparalleled craftsmanship and luxury. The eggs became coveted treasures, with some finding their way into private collections and museums worldwide. The 4 Faberge Egg espresso cups and saucers in fine Limoges porcelain accompanying this exquisite tea set present 4 different egg patterns.
This set includes a teapot, coffee pot, sugar bowl and cream pitcher in 950 sterling silver in addition to 4 Faberge Egg espresso cups and saucers and one candy dish in fine Limoges porcelain. The Coffee Pot stands roughly 20.00cm. high to the top of the lid, is approximately 20.00cm. across from the tip of the spout to the outside of the handle and weights 727 grams. It bears the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark, certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver, in addition to the Puiforcat sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark.
The elegant Cream Pitcher with gold plated (vermeil) interior stand approximately 11.00cm. high to the top of the handle, is roughly 12.50cm. across from the tip of the spout to the outside of the handle and weights 227 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 Puiforcat sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark.
The Teapot is roughly 16.50cm. high to the top of the lid, approximately 24.50cm. across from the tip of the spout to the outside of the handle and weights 776 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 Puiforcat sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark.
The elegant Sugar Bowl with gold plated (vermeil) interior stands approximately 12.50cm. high to the top of the lid, has a diameter of roughly 11.50cm. at its widest point and weights 391 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 Puiforcat sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark.
The massive serving tray is approximately 64.50cm. in length to the outside of the handles, 42.50cm. across at its widest point and weights over 3,300 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 Christofle, Cardeilhac sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark.
Each Faberge Jeweled Easter Egg designed espresso cup and saucer together stand 6.30cm. in height, 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.
The Candy / Biscuit Dish in Limoges porcelain with the Faberge Imperial Jeweled Egg “Alexander Palace” Pattern. has a top diameter of 14.50 cm. and stands 4.00 cm. high. It is stamped in gold on the underside with the Faberge emblem and Limoges France in addition to the words "porcelaine de Limoges France". The original Alexander Palace egg featured the children of the last tsar, Nicholas II and his wife Alexandra and is currently in the Kremlin museum.
