Odiot Antique French Vermeil Liquor Serving Set - Napoleon III
Direct from France:
Direct from a private chateau in the south of France, a magnificent 17pc.
19th century gold plated 950 sterling silver (vermeil) napoleon iii liqueur
serving set by the world's premier French silversmith Jean-Baptiste Odiot, circa
late 1890s. The art of French
silversmithing represents one of the most refined expressions of luxury and
craftsmanship in the decorative arts. Among the most distinguished names in this
tradition stands Odiot, a Maison that has, since its establishment in 1690, come
to symbolize the very highest standards of excellence in silverware production.
Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, royal patronage, and pioneering work
in vermeil - the luxurious combination of sterling silver and gold - Odiot has
set the benchmark for opulent tableware for over three centuries.
The Beginning:
The origins of Odiot trace back to 1690 when Jean-Baptiste Gaspard Odiot
established a silversmith workshop in Paris. The firm flourished under
successive generations, particularly during the tenure of Jean-Baptiste Claude
Odiot (1763-1850), who elevated the Maison to international prominence during
the Napoleonic era. His work for Emperor Napoleon I and Empress Joséphine marked
the beginning of Odiot's enduring association with European royalty and
nobility. One of the most significant commissions in Odiot's history was the
creation of the Imperial Table Service for Napoleon Bonaparte. This monumental
set, crafted in the Empire style, featured bold neoclassical motifs including
laurel wreaths, imperial eagles, and mythological figures, all executed with
extraordinary precision. The service not only solidified Odiot's reputation as
France's premier silversmith but also established a design vocabulary that would
influence European luxury tableware for generations.
Beyond Napoleon, Odiot's
illustrious clientele included King Louis XVIII, Charles X, and international
royalty such as Tsar Alexander I of Russia and King George IV of England. The
firm's ability to satisfy the most discerning tastes of Europe's elite testified
to its technical brilliance and artistic vision. Whether crafting grand dinner
services, ceremonial objects, or intimate personal items, Odiot's work
consistently reflected the highest standards of French luxury. The Maison’s
creations became synonymous with power and prestige, serving as diplomatic gifts
between nations and as heirlooms among noble families.
Commitment to Quality
and Craftsmanship:
At the heart of Odiot's enduring prestige lies its uncompromising
commitment to craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced silverware, every Odiot piece
results from meticulous handwork by master artisans trained in centuries-old
techniques. The Maison is particularly celebrated for its expertise in vermeil,
an exquisite form of silver-gilding where sterling silver receives a coating of
pure gold through either fire-gilding, an ancient method using mercury
amalgamation, or modern electrolysis. Vermeil combines the luster of gold with
the durability of silver, creating objects of extraordinary radiance and
longevity. Odiot's vermeil pieces, especially its liquor-serving sets, showcase
this technique at its finest. The gilding process demands exceptional skill to
ensure an even, flawless finish, and Odiot's artisans rank among the few in the
world capable of achieving such perfection.
Odiot's designs have
evolved through the centuries, reflecting shifting artistic movements while
maintaining a core identity of elegance and grandeur. The neoclassical or Empire
style period saw the creation of bold, symmetrical forms with Greco-Roman
motifs. Later periods witnessed the incorporation of Rococo Revival elements
with ornate scrollwork, floral engravings, and delicate asymmetry. The Art
Nouveau era brought fluid, organic lines and naturalistic themes, while the Art
Deco period introduced geometric precision and modernist simplicity. Throughout
these stylistic evolutions, Odiot's work consistently emphasized balance,
proportion, and meticulous detailing. Techniques such as chasing, engraving, and
repoussé (hand-hammered relief work) were employed to create depth and texture,
ensuring each piece functioned not merely as tableware but as a work of art.
Awards and Accolades:
Odiot's excellence has been recognized at the highest levels of
decorative arts. The firm earned numerous medals at World Expositions, beginning
with a Gold Medal at the Paris Exposition of 1823 for its exceptional
silver-gilt tableware. The Grand Prize at the Exposition Universelle of 1855
honored Odiot's contributions to French craftsmanship, while a Diploma of Honor
at the Vienna World's Fair of 1873 celebrated its innovative vermeil techniques.
Beyond these competitive honors, Odiot's creations have been acquired by
prestigious institutions including the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art,
and the Victoria & Albert Museum, where they are displayed as masterpieces of
decorative art. These museum acquisitions testify to Odiot's enduring artistic
significance and its role in the development of European silverware traditions.
Odiot Vermeil Liquor
Serving Sets:
Among Odiot's most celebrated creations are its vermeil liquor-serving
sets, like this amazing set, which exemplify the Maison’s technical prowess and
artistic vision. These sets, typically comprising decanters, goblets, trays, and
stirring implements, are designed for both functionality and grandeur. The
vermeil finish ensures a radiant, warm glow that enhances the luxurious appeal
of each piece. Decanters are crafted for perfect pouring, while goblets are
carefully weighted for balance and comfort in the hand. Many sets feature
hand-engraved detailing such as monograms, floral motifs, or mythological
scenes, often personalized for their original owners. The modular design of many
sets allows for expansion with additional pieces, providing flexibility for
different serving needs.
A particularly notable
example is the "Service à Liqueur" commissioned by King Louis-Philippe in the
19th century. This magnificent set, now housed in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs,
features intricate vine motifs, delicately wrought handles, and a mirrored tray
designed to reflect and amplify the gold's brilliance. Such sets served not
merely as functional serving ware but as symbols of status and refinement, often
displayed prominently in aristocratic households as demonstrations of taste and
wealth. The craftsmanship evident in these pieces extends to the smallest
details - the precise fit of stoppers, the balance of pouring spouts, and the
seamless joining of different components all testify to Odiot's exacting
standards.
While deeply rooted in
tradition, Odiot has continued to innovate in the modern era. Recent decades
have seen collaborations with contemporary designers to reinterpret classic
forms for new generations of collectors. These modern interpretations maintain
the Maison’s signature craftsmanship while introducing sleeker, more minimalist
designs that appeal to contemporary aesthetics. The acquisition of Odiot by
Jean-Louis Dumas, former CEO of Hermès, in the late 20th century reinforced the
brand's commitment to excellence while providing resources for renewed
innovation. Under this stewardship, Odiot has maintained its artisanal
production methods while expanding its global presence and adapting to the
evolving luxury market.
Odiot – The Master of
Vermeil:
The process of creating an Odiot vermeil piece remains remarkably
consistent with traditional methods. Skilled silversmiths first shape the
sterling silver base using techniques that have changed little in centuries. The
piece is then carefully prepared for gilding, a process that demands immaculate
surface preparation to ensure proper adhesion of the gold layer. In
fire-gilding, an increasingly rare technique preserved by only the most
prestigious workshops, artisans apply a gold-mercury amalgam before carefully
heating the piece to evaporate the mercury, leaving a pure gold layer. Modern
electrolytic gilding provides an alternative method that achieves similar
results without mercury's hazards. Regardless of technique, the gilding process
requires exceptional skill to achieve an even, flawless finish that will endure
generations of use.
The quality of Odiot's
vermeil is evident in its durability. Unlike cheaper gold plating that may wear
quickly, Odiot's vermeil maintains its brilliance through decades of careful
use. The thickness of the gold layer, far exceeding industrial standards,
ensures that even with periodic polishing, the gilding remains intact. This
commitment to longevity reflects Odiot's philosophy of creating pieces meant to
be treasured as heirlooms rather than disposable luxuries. Collectors prize
early Odiot vermeil pieces that retain their original gilding, a testament to
the Maison’s technical mastery.
The Legacy of Odiot:
In examining Odiot's place in the history of decorative arts, several key
factors emerge that explain its enduring prestige. First is the continuity of
craftsmanship - the transmission of skills from master to apprentice over
generations has preserved techniques that might otherwise have been lost to
industrialization. Second is the maison's ability to adapt to changing tastes
while maintaining its core identity. From the neoclassical grandeur of the
Empire period to the clean lines of Art Deco, Odiot has demonstrated remarkable
stylistic versatility without sacrificing quality or craftsmanship. Finally,
Odiot's commitment to innovation within tradition has kept its work relevant
across centuries. Whether developing new gilding techniques or collaborating
with contemporary designers, the maison has consistently pushed boundaries while
honoring its heritage.
The cultural significance
of Odiot's work extends beyond its technical and aesthetic qualities.
Silverware, particularly in the form of grand services and ceremonial objects,
has long served as a medium for diplomatic and social communication. Odiot's
creations have graced royal tables, served as state gifts between nations, and
marked important personal milestones among the European elite. In this sense,
the maison's work represents not just artistic achievement but also a tangible
connection to historical moments and relationships. The provenance of important
Odiot pieces often reads as a who's who of European history, with ownership
tracing through royal households and distinguished collections.
For contemporary
collectors, acquiring an Odiot piece represents both an aesthetic choice and an
investment in craftsmanship. The market for important Odiot works remains
strong, with exceptional pieces commanding significant prices at auction. Beyond
monetary value, ownership carries the satisfaction of preserving a tradition of
excellence. Modern patrons continue to commission bespoke services from Odiot,
maintaining the Maison’s tradition of creating personalized luxury. These
contemporary commissions often blend traditional techniques with modern design
sensibilities, ensuring that Odiot's legacy continues to evolve.
Odiot stands as a
testament to the enduring power of French craftsmanship, where artistry,
tradition, and innovation converge to create objects of timeless beauty. From
its royal patronage in the Napoleonic era to its modern position as a
standard-bearer of luxury silversmithing, the maison has consistently
exemplified the highest standards of excellence. Its mastery of vermeil,
particularly in the creation of magnificent liquor-serving sets, represents a
pinnacle of technical and artistic achievement in decorative arts. In an age of
mass production and fleeting trends, Odiot remains a beacon of artisanal
integrity, with each piece serving not merely as an object of utility but as a
legacy of craftsmanship meant to endure for generations. For connoisseurs of
fine silverware, owning an Odiot creation is to possess not just a beautiful
object but a fragment of history that continues to shine with undiminished
brilliance.
Set Composition:
This
amazing serving set is a stunning example of the quality and craftsmanship for
which the firm is internationally known and consists of the following: 4
decanters with vermeil base and vermeil bobbin, 12 vermeil shot glasses and
serving platter with vermeil border and decanter holders.
Each of the 4 decanters with vermeil base and bobbin, measures roughly
22.50cm. in height, is 7.50cm. across at its widest point and they have an
average weight of 485 grams. Each is also stamped on the underside “Mon. Odiot,
Prevost & Cie 5014” and each bears the French government's head of the Minerva 1
hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver in addition to the “Odiot
Prevost" sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark.
Each of the 12 vermeil shot glasses with glass inserts (1 glass insert is
missing) is stamped on the underside “Mon. Odiot” and is stamped with the
"Odiot, Prevost & Cie" manufacturers sterling silver hallmark as well as the
French government’s head of the Minerva 1 hallmark certifying a minimum of 950
sterling silver. Each measures
approximately 5.00cm. high, is 5.50cm. across to the end of the handle and
weights 56 grams. The serving platter with vermeil (gold plated 950 sterling
silver) border, decanter holders and serving handles; is stamped on the lower
border “Mon. Odiot, Prevost & Cie 5014”. It is also stamped with the "Odiot
Prevost & Cie" manufacturer's sterling silver hallmark as well the French
government’s head of the Minerva 1 hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 sterling
silver. It measures approximately 47.00cm. in length to the end of the handles,
33.00cm. across at its widest point and weights 3,806 grams without the
decanters and shot glasses and 6,413 grams with the decanters and the shot
glasses.
