Puiforcat (Hermes) - 8pc. French Louis XVI 950 Sterling Silver Tea/Coffee Set + Wraps

Direct from Paris:  An amazing 8-piece sterling silver, 19th century, Louis XVI, tea set by two of the world's premier silversmiths; Puiforcat from Paris, currently owned by Hermes and Hamilton & Inches from Edinburgh, Scotland, circa 1880s.  The history of French decorative arts during the 19th century is indelibly marked by the extraordinary contributions of Puiforcat, a Maison whose name became synonymous with the highest standards of silversmithing excellence. Founded in Paris in 1820 by Jean-Baptiste Fuchs, who later adopted the Puiforcat name from his mother's family, the firm distinguished itself through masterful creations that blended neoclassical aesthetics with technical innovation. Among their most celebrated works were the 950-sterling silver tea sets that graced the tables of European aristocracy, embodying both the refinement of French design and the practical elegance demanded by high society. This amazing set is a stunning testament to Puiforcat’s unparalleled craftsmanship, the royal patronage that elevated its prestige, the prestigious awards that recognized its excellence, its significant associations with luxury brands Hermès and Hamilton & Inches of Edinburgh, and the defining characteristics of its 19th-century tea services that remain coveted by collectors today. 

Uncompromising Craftsmanship: At the heart of Puiforcat’s legacy was its unwavering commitment to superior materials and meticulous handcraftsmanship. Unlike many contemporaries who used the standard 925 sterling silver, Puiforcat insisted on a purer 950 alloy, composed of 95% fine silver and 5% copper. This higher silver content not only enhanced the metal’s luminous sheen but also improved its durability, ensuring that pieces retained their structural integrity and brilliance even after decades of use. The choice of 950 silver was particularly advantageous for tea services, as the alloy’s superior thermal conductivity helped maintain the ideal temperature of brewed tea, while its resistance to tarnishing preserved the pieces’ flawless appearance. 

Each component of a Puiforcat tea set was the product of countless hours of labor by master artisans trained in techniques passed down through generations. The teapot, often the centerpiece of the service, was hand-raised from a single sheet of silver, hammered into shape with precision to achieve perfect symmetry. Spouts were carefully engineered to ensure a smooth, drip-free pour, while handles—sometimes crafted from ivory or exotic woods—were ergonomically designed for balance and comfort. The interiors of teapots and sugar bowls were frequently gilded, a process that involved applying a layer of 24-karat gold through mercury amalgamation. This not only protected the silver from acidic reactions with tea but also added a striking visual contrast when the pieces were in use. The level of detail extended to the smallest elements: hinges were discreetly counterweighted for ease of use, and decorative motifs, whether floral garlands or Greek key patterns, were chased or engraved by specialists whose skill bordered on artistry. 

Serving European Royalty:  Puiforcat’s reputation for excellence attracted the attention of Europe’s most discerning patrons, including royalty and nobility who commissioned bespoke tea services as symbols of their status. King Louis-Philippe of France was among the firm’s most prominent clients, ordering a magnificent tea set for the Tuileries Palace that featured delicate neoclassical motifs and the royal fleur-de-lys discreetly incorporated into the design. The Orléans family, known for their refined taste, also became loyal patrons, as did members of the Russian imperial court. Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich, brother of Tsar Alexander III, acquired an elaborate Puiforcat tea service that included a matching samovar, reflecting the firm’s ability to cater to the diverse tastes of international elites. 

Beyond continental Europe, Puiforcat’s tea services found admirers in Britain, where the ritual of afternoon tea had become a cultural institution. The firm’s association with Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh’s preeminent silversmiths and goldsmiths since 1866, further solidified its presence in the British market. Hamilton & Inches acted as both a retailer and collaborator, ensuring that Puiforcat’s designs appealed to Scottish and English aristocracy. This partnership allowed Puiforcat to adapt its aesthetics to British preferences, incorporating subtle regional motifs while maintaining the French elegance that defined its work. The collaboration was mutually beneficial: Hamilton & Inches gained access to Puiforcat’s technical innovations, while Puiforcat expanded its reach into a market dominated by traditional British silversmiths. 

Awards and Accolades:  Puiforcat’s mastery was consistently validated at international exhibitions, where its tea services were celebrated for their technical brilliance and artistic refinement. The Great Exhibition of 1851 in London marked a turning point, as the firm’s display—a complete tea service in the Louis XVI style—earned widespread acclaim for its flawless proportions and intricate chasing. Judges particularly praised the teapot’s seamless construction and the sugar bowl’s precision-fitted lid, details that set Puiforcat apart from competitors. 

The Paris Exposition Universelle of 1867 further cemented the firm’s reputation. Puiforcat unveiled a revolutionary tea service featuring double-walled construction in the teapot, an innovation that retained heat without compromising the piece’s elegant silhouette. This design, which incorporated hidden copper insulation, earned the firm a gold medal and attracted commissions from as far as St. Petersburg and New York. Subsequent exhibitions in Vienna (1873) and Philadelphia (1876) showcased Puiforcat’s ability to blend tradition with modernity, as seen in services that combined hand-chased decoration with industrial-era advancements like machine-aided precision engraving. 

Association with Hermes: The 20th century saw Puiforcat’s legacy further elevated through its acquisition by Hermès in 1993. This partnership brought the silversmith’s heritage under the umbrella of one of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, ensuring the continuation of its craftsmanship while introducing contemporary refinements. Hermès preserved Puiforcat’s archival designs, including its iconic 19th-century tea services, while enhancing functionality—such as improving the weight distribution of handles and introducing modern anti-tarnish treatments. Limited-edition reissues of historic pieces allowed new generations of collectors to own tea services that retained the essence of Puiforcat’s golden age.

Collaboration with Hamilton & Inches:  Simultaneously, Puiforcat’s collaboration with Hamilton & Inches underscored its international appeal. The Edinburgh firm, renowned for its own royal warrants, acted as a bridge between French elegance and British tradition. Together, they created exclusive tea sets for clients who valued both Puiforcat’s artistry and Hamilton & Inches’ expertise in bespoke silver. Notably, a joint commission for a Scottish noble family featured Puiforcat’s signature fluted surfaces alongside thistle motifs, a nod to Scotland’s national emblem. 

Puiforcat’s Sterling Tea Sets:  Today, Puiforcat’s 19th-century tea services are treasured as masterpieces of decorative art. Museums such as the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London display these pieces as exemplars of French neoclassical design. Auction houses regularly achieve six-figure sums for complete sets, particularly those with documented royal provenance.  What makes these tea services extraordinary is their timeless appeal. The purity of their 950 silver ensures they age gracefully, while their functional elegance—from the ergonomic handles to the heat-retaining teapots—makes them as practical as they are beautiful. Whether in a private collection or a museum gallery, a Puiforcat tea service is more than tableware; it is a testament to an era when luxury was defined by uncompromising craftsmanship and artistic vision.  In studying Puiforcat’s work, we gain insight into a golden age of silversmithing, where every curve, engraving, and hinge reflected the pursuit of perfection. Through royal commissions, international accolades, and enduring partnerships, Puiforcat secured its place as one of history’s greatest silver houses—a legacy that continues to shine as brightly as the silver itself. 

Set Composition:  The Amazing Samovar (Water Fountain) Measures Roughly 45 cm. High to the Top of the Handle, 26 cm. Across to the Tip of the Spout, and Weights a Massive 2,845 grams. It is Stamped with the French Government's Minerva 1 Hallmark in Addition to Emile Puiforcat's Sterling Silver Hallmark. Included with the set is a "Certificate of Authenticity" which is Necessary for Duty Free Importation as an Antique. The Dainty Samovar (Water Fountain) Warmer Measures Approximately 8 cm. in Height, 18 cm. Across to the Tip of the Handle and Weights 200 grams. It is Stamped with the French Government's Minerva 1 Hallmark.

The Elegant Hot Chocolate Server Measures Roughly 24.5 cm. in Height, 24 cm. Across to Tip of the Handle and Weights 956 grams. It is Stamped with the French Government's Minerva 1 Hallmark in Addition to Emile Puiforcat's Sterling Silver Hallmark plus Puiforcat's Signature Hallmark "Puiforcat" on the Underside. The Gorgeous Teapot Measures Approximately 20.5 cm. in Height, 23 cm. Across from the Tip of the Handle to the Tip of the Spout and Weights 942 grams. It is Stamped with the French Government's Minerva 1 Hallmark in Addition to Emile Puiforcat's Sterling Silver Hallmark plus Puiforcat's Signature Hallmark "Puiforcat" on the Underside.

The Elegant Sugar Bowl with Vermeil Interior Measures Roughly 17 cm. in Height, 16 cm. Across to the Tips of the Handles and Weights 672 grams. It is Stamped with the French Government's Minerva 1 Hallmark in Addition to Emile Puiforcat's Sterling Silver Hallmark plus Puiforcat's Signature Hallmark "Puiforcat" and "7924" on the Underside. The Massive Serving Tray was Made by Hamilton & Inches in Edinburgh, Scotland and Measures Approximately 76 cm. in Length to the Tips of the Handles, 46 cm. in Width and Weights a Approximately 4,800 grams +/-.

The Amazing Coffee Pot Stands 25 cm. in Height, Measures Approximately 18.5 cm. Across from the Outside of the Handle to the Tip of the Spout and Weights 887 grams. It is Stamped with the French Government's Minerva 1 Hallmark in Addition to Emile Puiforcat's Sterling Silver Hallmark plus Puiforcat's Signature Hallmark "Puiforcat" on the Underside. The Elegant Cream Pitcher with Vermeil Interior Measures Roughly 12 cm. in Height, 12.5 cm. Across from the Outside of the Handle to the Tip of the Spout and Weights 305 grams. It is Stamped with the French Government's Minerva 1 Hallmark in Addition to Emile Puiforcat's Sterling Silver Hallmark plus Puiforcat's Signature Hallmark "Puiforcat" on the Underside.