Puiforcat (Hermes) & Cardeilhac (Christofle): 182-piece Antique French Sterling Silver Flatware Set + Storage Chests !

Direct from Paris:  A stunning 182-piece antique sterling silver flatware set by two of France’s premier silversmiths “Puiforcat”, currently owned by Hermes, and “Cardeilhac / Christofle”, Silversmith to the King – circa late 1800s. The set is a complete service for 12 and includes extra dinner forks, Mother-of-Pearl handled dessert knives with vermeil blades, a set of vermeil teaspoons, silver plate knife blade rests and individual storage trays. The 19th century marked a golden era for French decorative arts, particularly in the realm of silversmithing. Among the most celebrated houses of this period were Puiforcat and Cardeilhac, whose names became synonymous with uncompromising quality, technical innovation, and aristocratic elegance. These ateliers did not merely produce functional silverware; they created enduring works of art that reflected the highest achievements of French craftsmanship. Their pieces graced the tables of emperors and kings, won accolades at international exhibitions, and set standards that continue to influence luxury metalwork today.

 

Puiforcat’s Early Years:  The story of Puiforcat begins in 1820 when Jean-Baptiste Fuchs established his silversmith workshop in Paris. Initially operating under the name Fuchs et Compagnie, the firm underwent a significant transformation when it was acquired by Emile Puiforcat in the 1840s, from whom it derived its enduring name. Under successive generations of the Puiforcat family, the maison developed a distinctive style that blended rigorous technical precision with artistic innovation.  By the late 19th century, Puiforcat had established itself as the silversmith of choice for discerning European aristocracy. Their clientele included not only French nobility but also wealthy industrialists and international collectors who appreciated the firm's ability to create both traditional and avant-garde designs. The maison's participation in major international exhibitions, including the 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle, brought its creations to a global audience and cemented its reputation for excellence.

 

The Evolution of Cardeilhac:  The Cardeilhac legacy began slightly earlier than Puiforcat, with Jean-Baptiste Cardeilhac establishing his workshop in 1802 during the Napoleonic era. The firm quickly distinguished itself through its exceptional technical mastery and sumptuous designs that captured the grandeur of French Empire style. Cardeilhac's rise to prominence reached its zenith during the Second Empire when it became the official supplier to Napoleon III's court.   Cardeilhac's workshop employed the most skilled artisans in Paris, many of whom had trained in the traditional guild system. Their specialty lay in creating elaborate table services that combined functionality with breathtaking artistry. The firm was particularly renowned for its mastery of repoussé work, where silver was ornamented with intricate floral motifs, mythological scenes, and architectural elements hammered from the reverse side.  What made Cardeilhac's work exceptional was its attention to proportion and balance. Each piece in their flatware services was designed to feel perfect in the hand, with carefully calculated weight distribution that made even the most ornate designs practical for daily use. The firm's account books reveal commissions from nearly every European royal house, with special services created for state occasions and diplomatic gifts. 

 

Technical Mastery & Innovative Techniques:   The workshops of Puiforcat and Cardeilhac were centers of technical innovation where centuries-old traditions met modern manufacturing techniques. Both firms maintained the highest standards of craftsmanship while developing new methods that pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved in silver.  Their craftsmen developed specialized tools for different effects - from the subtle matte grain of their "satiné" finish to the dramatic fluted patterns seen in their Art Deco pieces. The firm also pioneered new methods for silver-gilding, creating two-tone effects that became highly fashionable in the late 19th century. 

 

Cardeilhac, meanwhile, perfected the art of precision casting, allowing for incredibly detailed sculptural elements in their flatware handles and hollowware. Their engraving department employed techniques adapted from jewelry-making to create miniature masterpieces on spoon bowls and fork shoulders. Perhaps most impressive was their development of weighted hollow handles - a construction method that gave their pieces substantial heft without making them unwieldy.  Both firms maintained rigorous quality control, with each piece undergoing multiple inspections before receiving the maker's mark. The process from raw silver ingot to finished tableware could take weeks or even months for particularly elaborate services, reflecting an uncompromising commitment to perfection. 

 

Royal Patronage & International Acclaim:  The prestige of Puiforcat and Cardeilhac was inextricably linked to their royal clientele, whose patronage served as the ultimate endorsement of quality. These connections began with the French imperial court but soon extended across Europe's aristocratic networks.  Puiforcat counted among its clients King Louis-Philippe and later supplied extensive services to the Russian Imperial family. Their work for the Romanovs included special traveling sets with custom-fitted cases, demonstrating their ability to combine luxury with practicality. The firm's reputation reached across the Atlantic as well, with commissions from American millionaires during the Gilded Age.  Cardeilhac's imperial connections were even more direct, serving as official purveyor to Napoleon III's court at the Tuileries Palace. The firm created monumental centerpieces and elaborate dinner services for state occasions, many featuring the imperial eagle motif. Their work for foreign royalty included a spectacular service for the King of Portugal that incorporated precious stones and enamel work. 

 

Both firms were regular participants in international exhibitions, where they competed for prestigious awards. The 1851 Great Exhibition in London saw Cardeilhac awarded a Council Medal for a magnificent épergne that demonstrated unprecedented technical complexity. Puiforcat's triumphs included gold medals at both the 1867 and 1900 Paris Expositions, where their modernist designs attracted particular attention from progressive collectors. 

 

The Golden Age of Flatware:  The 19th century witnessed the apogee of formal dining culture, and with it came unprecedented demand for luxurious flatware services. Both Puiforcat and Cardeilhac rose to this challenge, creating services that represented the pinnacle of the silversmith's art.  Puiforcat's flatware designs evolved through several distinct phases. Their early 19th century services followed Neoclassical lines, with slender stems and restrained decoration. By mid-century, they had developed more sculptural forms, often incorporating naturalistic elements like vine leaves and wheat sheaves. The firm's late 19th century Art Nouveau pieces featured flowing organic forms that seemed to grow from the table itself. 

 

Cardeilhac maintained a more formal aesthetic throughout the century, with services that reflected the grandeur of the French Empire style. Their flatware handles often featured intricate allegorical scenes or architectural motifs rendered in miniature. The firm was particularly known for its "service complet" - comprehensive sets that might include up to 100 different piece types, each designed for a specific culinary purpose.  What distinguished both firms' flatware was the exceptional quality of their 950 silver. This higher purity allowed for sharper detail in casting and engraving, while also giving the pieces a distinctive warm glow. The weight and balance of each piece was carefully calculated - a well-made fork should feel substantial but not heavy, with the weight distributed to make cutting effortless. 

 

The Association with Hermès:  The 20th century brought changes to the world of luxury silver, culminating in Puiforcat's acquisition by Hermès in 1993. This merger of two French luxury traditions ensured the survival of traditional silversmithing techniques into the modern era.   Hermès has maintained Puiforcat's heritage while introducing contemporary designs. The maison continues to produce flatware using the original techniques, with some pieces still made by hand in the traditional manner. Recent collections have reinterpreted classic Puiforcat patterns for century tastes 21^st, while maintaining the uncompromising quality that made the originals so prized.  

 

The Enduring Artistry of French Silver:  The stories of Puiforcat and Cardeilhac represent more than just the history of two luxury firms; they reflect the broader narrative of French decorative arts. In an age before mass production, these ateliers maintained standards of craftsmanship that seem almost unimaginable today. Each piece they created was not merely an object, but a testament to centuries of accumulated skill and artistry.  What makes their 19th century flatware services particularly significant is how they embody the cultural values of their time. These were objects designed for ritual - for the ceremony of dining that was so central to aristocratic and bourgeois life. The care with which each fork was balanced, the thought given to how a spoon would feel in the hand - these considerations speak to a worldview that valued sensory experience and social connection. 

 

Today, as we rediscover the importance of craftsmanship and sustainability, the work of Puiforcat and Cardeilhac takes on new relevance. Their pieces were made to last generations, to be repaired rather than replaced, to develop character with use rather than deteriorate. In this sense, these 19th century silversmiths might be seen as pioneers of what we now call slow design - the antithesis of today's disposable culture.  For collectors and connoisseurs, Puiforcat and Cardeilhac pieces represent the ultimate in silver collecting. Each service tells a story - of the craftsmen who made it, the patrons who commissioned it, and the meals it has served. In an increasingly digital world, these tangible connections to history and craftsmanship become ever more precious.

 

Set Composition:  This is a magnificent 182-piece flatware set and is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship for which the firms were international known.  The dinner knives and luncheon knives bear the Cardeilhac sterling silver manufacturers hallmark in addition to the French government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark and the knife blades are stamped “Cardeilhac / Christofle”.  The vermeil blades on the Mother-of-Pearl handled dessert knives bear the “PF” manufacturer’s hallmark. The vermeil teaspoons are also from a different manufacturer and earlier period.  The remaining sterling pieces bear the Puiforcat sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark in addition to the French government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark.  The set includes the following (all weights and measures approximate):

12        Dinner Knives - Stainless Blades C      24.80 cm.        106 grams

12        Dinner Forks    20.70 cm.        99 grams

12        Extra Dinner Forks      20.70 cm.        99 grams

12        Tablespoons   21.00 cm.        101 grams

11        Luncheon Knives - Stainless Blades C 20.50 cm.        72 grams

12        Luncheon / Dessert Forks       17.00 cm.        49 grams

12        Luncheon / Dessert Spoons   17.00 cm.        54 grams

12        Dessert Knives - Mother of Pearl Handles and Vermeil Blades 18.50 cm. 31 grams

12        Fish Knives      21.30 cm.        73 grams

12        Fish Forks        17.30 cm.        59 grams

12        Ice Cream Spoons       13.80 cm.        34 grams

18        Tea / Coffee Spoons    11.70 cm.        28 grams

12        Teaspoons in Vermeil (different unidentified)           15.00 cm.        17 grams

12        Knife Blade Rests - Silverplate 8.20 cm.          22 grams

1          Cake / Pie Serving Knife C       26.00 cm.        140 grams

1          Cheese Serving Knife C           21.50 cm.        63 grams

2          Large Serving Spoons 25.70 cm.        143 grams

2          Sauce Serving Ladles  18.80 cm.        95 grams

1          Large Soup / Stew Serving Ladle        31.00 cm.        247 grams

1          Ice Cream Serving Scoop        24.80 cm.        115 grams

1          Pie Serving Knife         26.00 cm.        123 grams