Puiforcat Hermes - 8 piece Louis XVI antique French sterling silver tea set
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.
