Tetard Freres 115 piece antique French sterling silver flatware set
Direct from Paris, a Magnificent 115pc. French Sterling Silver Flatware Set +
Storage Chest by one of France’s Premier Silversmiths “Tetard Freres” in Near
New Condition. Tetard Frères stands
among the most distinguished names in the world of French silversmithing.
Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, exquisite design, and innovative
approach to silverware, the Tetard brothers, whose firm emerged as a major
player in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, created silverware that
epitomized elegance, refinement, and enduring quality. Their works, especially
their 950 sterling silver flatware, are still admired today as timeless
treasures in both private collections and museums.
Tetard Frères was founded in 1880 in Paris, France, by the Tetard family. The
firm was originally led by Edmond Tetard, a talented silversmith who had honed
his skills in various prestigious workshops before establishing his own
business. Edmond’s craftsmanship and technical mastery laid a strong foundation
for the Tetard name, and his work soon attracted attention within elite circles
in France. By the turn of the century, the firm passed into the hands of his
three sons—Henri, Jacques, and Georges Tetard—who rebranded the family
enterprise as Tetard Frères.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Tetard Frères operated from
their Paris workshop, located at 4 Rue Béranger. This workshop became synonymous
with precision, craftsmanship, and artistic innovation, and it attracted
talented artisans who contributed to the firm’s growth. Over time, Tetard Frères
gained a following among wealthy patrons and aristocrats, establishing itself as
one of the leading silversmithing firms in France.
At the heart of Tetard Frères’ success was an unwavering commitment to the
highest standards of craftsmanship. The Tetard brothers ensured that every piece
of silverware produced under their name met the strictest criteria for quality,
whether it was a simple teaspoon or an elaborate candelabrum. Their artisans
employed traditional techniques such as chasing, engraving, and repoussé to
bring their designs to life, with each piece undergoing a rigorous process of
handcrafting to achieve perfection. This meticulous attention to materials
allowed Tetard Frères to maintain a reputation for producing silverware that was
not only beautiful but also robust and capable of enduring generations of use.
One of the key characteristics of Tetard Frères’ craftsmanship was the
perfect balance between form and function. Their flatware, for example, was
designed to be both elegant and practical, with careful attention paid to
proportions, weight, and ergonomics. Each fork, knife, and spoon was
meticulously shaped to ensure comfort and ease of use while maintaining the
refined aesthetic for which Tetard Frères was famous.
Throughout their history, Tetard Frères garnered the patronage of some of
Europe’s most prominent royal families and aristocratic clients. In the world of
luxury goods, royal endorsement was the ultimate validation of quality and
prestige, and Tetard Frères were no strangers to producing silverware fit for
royalty. One of their most notable
patrons was the French court, where the Tetard family’s reputation for
excellence ensured that their silverware was featured at the most important
state functions and royal banquets. The French nobility, known for their refined
tastes and appreciation of fine dining, sought out Tetard Frères to provide
custom-made flatware and hollowware for their homes. These bespoke commissions
often featured the family crests or coats of arms of their noble clients, adding
a personalized and exclusive element to the silverware.
Beyond the borders of France, Tetard Frères' fame spread to other
European courts. They provided silverware for royal households in Belgium, the
Netherlands, and beyond, cementing their status as a firm capable of catering to
the highest echelons of society.
Their association with European royalty served to elevate the Tetard Frères name
and further enhanced their reputation as masters of luxury silverware.
Royal commissions were often grand and opulent, calling for large-scale silver
services and intricate centerpieces that reflected the wealth and status of the
client. Tetard Frères’ ability to execute these elaborate designs with precision
and finesse made them the preferred choice for the aristocracy, who sought
silverware that was not only functional but also a symbol of their social
standing and refined taste.
Tetard Frères’ reputation for excellence was reinforced by the numerous awards
and accolades they received at international exhibitions and competitions. These
accolades were a testament to the firm’s dedication to craftsmanship and
innovation, as well as their ability to compete on a global stage.
One of the most significant moments in Tetard Frères’ history came at the
Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) in Paris in 1900, where they were awarded
a Grand Prix for their silverware. This prestigious event, which showcased the
best in art, design, and technology from around the world, provided Tetard
Frères with an international platform to display their work. Their success at
the Exposition Universelle further cemented their reputation as one of the
leading silversmiths in France and elevated their profile on the world stage.
Tetard Frères continued to receive recognition at subsequent
international exhibitions, including those in London, Brussels, and Chicago.
Their ability to consistently win awards at these events demonstrated the
universal appeal of their work and their status as a global leader in luxury
silverware.
Among Tetard Frères’ most famous
and enduring creations are their 950 sterling silver flatware sets, like this
magnificent 115 piece set, which remain highly sought after by collectors and
connoisseurs of fine silver. These flatware sets are notable for their superior
quality, timeless design, and exceptional craftsmanship, making them some of the
finest examples of French silverware.
Today,
Tetard Frères’ 950 sterling silver flatware sets are considered some of the
finest examples of French silverware and are highly prized by collectors around
the world. The firm’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship, combined with
their innovative designs and use of high-purity silver, has ensured that their
flatware sets have become timeless treasures that continue to be passed down
through generations.
Tetard Frères’ legacy is one of excellence in craftsmanship, innovation in
design, and a dedication to producing silverware that transcends mere
functionality to become works of art. Their ability to balance tradition with
modernity, while maintaining the highest standards of quality, allowed them to
remain at the forefront of French silversmithing for over a century.
The firm’s association with royalty and aristocracy, combined with the
numerous awards and accolades they received, solidified their reputation as one
of the premier silversmiths of their time. Their 950 sterling silver flatware
sets, in particular, stand as a testament to their mastery of the silversmith’s
craft and their commitment to producing pieces that are both beautiful and
functional. This magnificent set is an outstanding example of the quality and
craftsmanship for which the firm is internationally known.
Each piece is stamped with the French Government’s Head of the Minerva 1
hallmark in addition to the Tetard Freres manufacturer’s sterling silver
hallmark. It contains the following
(all weights and measures approximate):
12 Dinner Knives 24.40 cm. 103 grams
12 Dinner Forks 20.00 cm. 67 grams
12 Tablespoons 20.00 cm. 68 grams
12 Luncheon Knives 20.00 cm. 60 grams
12 Luncheon / Dessert Forks 16.80 cm. 39 grams
12 Luncheon / Dessert Spoons 16.80 cm. 40 grams
12 Teaspoons 12.50 cm. 20 grams
12 Ice Cream Spoons 12.50 cm. 25 grams
12 Cake Forks 14.50 cm. 34 grams
1 Large Serving Spoon 23.80 cm. 117 grams
1 Large Serving Fork 24.00 cm. 102 grams
1 Large Soup / Stew Serving Ladle 28.80 cm. 209 grams
1 Sauce Serving Ladle 25.00 cm. 132 grams
1 Gravy Serving Ladle 17.20 cm. 104 grams
1 Cake / Pie Serving Knife 27.00 cm. 136 grams
1 Ice Cream / Dessert Server 24.50 cm. 128 grams
