Direct from a Private Mansion in St. Tropez, a Stunning 19th Century 950 Sterling Silver and Vermeil Table Service by Premier French Silversmith "Boin Taburet", Consisting of a 322pc Flatware Set Plus a 15pc. Serving Platter Set in Their Classic Shell Pattern, Absolutely Magnificent, circa late 1890s. French silversmithing has long been renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and historical significance. Among the esteemed names in this illustrious tradition, Boin-Taburet stands out as a beacon of excellence.
The history of Boin-Taburet is closely linked to the two families that merged to create this iconic firm. The story begins with the Boin family, where Alexis Boin, a skilled silversmith, laid the foundation of the firm. Boin's craftsmanship and artistic abilities were quickly recognized, and his works gained prominence during the early 19th century. The Taburet family, on the other hand, was equally esteemed in the silver-smithing world. Auguste Taburet, known for his intricate designs and fine workmanship, brought the Taburet name to the forefront of French silver-smithing. It was the union of these two families through marriage in 1845 that established the firm known as "Boin-Taburet."
The quality and craftsmanship of Boin-Taburet's silverware earned the firm a well-deserved reputation. Notably, Boin-Taburet received royal patronage from Emperor Napoleon III, which marked a significant milestone in their history. This recognition catapulted the firm to new heights, and they began creating exquisite pieces for the French royal court. Boin-Taburet's close ties with the royal court not only elevated its prestige but also allowed the silversmith to showcase its unparalleled craftsmanship on an international stage. The patronage of royalty served as a testament to the superior quality and aesthetic appeal of Boin-Taburet's creations, solidifying its reputation as the preeminent silversmith of its time.
Boin-Taburet's commitment to excellence did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous awards and accolades bestowed upon the renowned silversmith. At various international exhibitions and competitions, Boin-Taburet consistently garnered acclaim for its innovative designs, superior technical skill, and meticulous attention to detail. Among its notable accolades was the prestigious Grand Prix at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, where Boin-Taburet's masterpieces captivated audiences and earned universal praise from critics and connoisseurs alike. The silversmith's ability to blend tradition with innovation, coupled with its unwavering dedication to quality, set it apart as a paragon of excellence in the world of decorative arts.
At the heart of Boin-Taburet's success lies its unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Each piece produced by the esteemed silversmith is a testament to the mastery of its artisans, who painstakingly transform raw materials into works of art through a combination of traditional techniques and modern innovation. Boin-Taburet's craftsmen possess a wealth of knowledge passed down through generations, ensuring that each piece adheres to the highest standards of excellence. From the initial design concept to the final finishing touches, every step of the production process is executed with precision and care, resulting in objects of unparalleled beauty and sophistication.
This is an amazing table service set in excellent condition. The Magnificent Serving Platter Set Consists of a 3pc. Covered Vegetable Server, 5 Oval Serving Platters, 4 Round Serving Platters, 1 Round Serving Dish and a 3pc. Gravy Boat in 950 Sterling Silver and Hallmarked "Boin-Taburet". Boin-Taburet Antique Sterling Silver Flatware and Tableware Pieces are Recognized the World Over for Their Amazing Craftsmanship and Quality, Unparalleled Luxury and Sophistication Traditionally Enjoyed by the French Aristocracy. The covered vegetable server 950 sterling silver insert measures roughly 31.50 cm. in length to the tips of the handles, approximately 21.00 cm. in diameter, 13.00 cm in height and weights 1,493 grams.
The first oval serving platter measures roughly 50.00 cm. in length, approximately 34.00 cm. across at its widest point and weights 1,766 grams. The second oval serving platter measures roughly 50.00 cm. in length, approximately 34.00 cm. across at its widest point and weights 1,724 grams. The third oval serving platter measures roughly 45.00 cm. in length, approximately 31.00 cm. across at its widest point and weights 1,282 grams. The fourth oval serving platter measures roughly 45.00 cm. in length, approximately 31.00 cm. across at its widest point and weights 1,311 grams. The fifth oval serving platter measures roughly 40.00 cm. in length, approximately 28.00 cm. across at its widest point and weights 1,168 grams.
The first round serving platter measures roughly 33.00 cm. in diameter and weights 1,025 grams. The second round serving platter measures roughly 33.00 cm. in diameter and weights 1,055 grams. The third round serving platter measures roughly 29.00 cm. in diameter and weights 793 grams. The fourth round serving platter measures roughly 29.00 cm. in diameter and weights 792 grams. The serving dish measures roughly 27.00 cm. in diameter. 4.5 cm, in height and weights 745 grams. The gravy boat with 950 sterling silver insert measures roughly 26.00 cm. in length, approximately 28.00 cm. across at its widest point, 18.00 cm in height and weights 1,167 grams.
Each of the serving platter pieces is stamped on the underside with the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver in addition to the Boin-Taburet sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark - "Boin Taburet a Paris" and each comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for easy storage. The 322pc flatware set (service for 24) with vermeil (gold plated 950 sterling silver) dessert pieces and the extra dinner forks and knives is perfect for entertaining larger groups. The mother-of-pearl handled cake knives with sterling silver blades is another rarity. The set is in excellent condition and the individual pieces are even more stunning than can be reflected by the photographs. The set is extremely good value for money. Except for the Mother-of-Pearl handled cake knives, each piece bears the French Government’s Head of the Minerva-1 Hallmark, signifying a minimum of 950 sterling, along with the Boin-Taburet manufacturer's hallmark. The Mother-of-Pearl handled cake knives also bears the French Government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark on the blades certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver along with the M.T. manufacturer's hallmark. The 322pc flatware set includes the following:
72 Dinner Knives 25.50 cm. 101 grams
72 Dinner Forks 20.80 cm. 100 grams
24 Tablespoons 21.20 cm. 98 grams
24 Luncheon Knives - Vermeil Handle Stainless Blade` 20.80 cm. 55 grams
24 Luncheon / Dessert Forks - Vermeil 18.50 cm. 60 grams
24 Luncheon / Dessert Spoons - Vermeil 19.00 cm. 61 grams
24 Dessert Knives - Vermeil 20.20 cm. 55 grams
24 Dessert Knives - Mother of Pearl Handles, Sterling Silver Blades 20.00 cm. 40 grams
24 Teaspoons - Vermeil 14.50 cm. 33 grams
1 Asparagus Server 24.50 cm. 192 grams
1 Large Soup / Stew Serving Ladle 31.00 cm. 238 grams
1 Berry Serving Spoon - Vermeil 20.80 cm. 98 grams
1 Ice Cream Serving Scoop - Vermeil 22.50 cm. 116 grams
1 Custard / Dessert Serving Scoop - Vermeil 22.50 cm. 106 grams
1 Salt Serving Spoon 8.50 cm. 9 grams
1 Small Dessert Serving Fork 15.00 cm. 34 grams
1 Olive Serving Spoon 15.00 cm. 40 grams
1 Individual Tart Server 15.50 cm. 41 grams
1 Small Dessert Serving Knife 17.00 cm. 40 grams