Christofle - 6pc. Louis XVI 950 Sterling Silver Tea/Coffee Serving Set

Direct from Paris:  A gorgeous 5pc. Louis XVI, 950 sterling silver tea set by France’s premier silversmiths Jacques and Pierre Cardeilhac (Christofle), silversmiths to the aristocracy of Europe.  The set includes includes a sterling silver hot chocolate server and large silver-plated serving tray in addition to individual anti-tarnish storage wraps for each storage - circa 1890s.  The annals of French decorative arts reserve a special chapter for the master silversmiths of the 19th century, among whom the house of Cardeilhac occupies a position of particular distinction. Established during the Bourbon Restoration when France was rediscovering its aristocratic heritage, Cardeilhac became synonymous with the highest standards of silversmithing through its exquisite 950 sterling silver tea services crafted in the Louis XVI style. This magnificent 6pc sterling set is a stunning testament to Cardeilhac's rise to prominence, the exceptional quality that defined its workshop, its prestigious royal connections including its important relationship with Christofle (the official Silversmith to the King), its recognition at international exhibitions, and the enduring legacy of its magnificent tea services that remain coveted by collectors today.

The Focus on Quality:  The foundation of Cardeilhac's reputation lay in its uncompromising approach to materials and craftsmanship. Unlike many contemporaries who were beginning to adopt industrial methods, Cardeilhac maintained traditional artisanal techniques, employing master craftsmen trained in the exacting standards of Parisian guild traditions. The firm worked exclusively in 950 sterling silver, a purer alloy than the standard 925, which gave their pieces a distinctive luminosity and greater resistance to tarnish. Each component of their tea services - from the gracefully curved teapots to the delicately proportioned sugar bowls - was hand-raised and finished, with surfaces that might appear machine-perfect to the untrained eye but upon closer inspection reveal the subtle variations that testify to their handmade origins.

Cardeilhac's design philosophy found its perfect expression in the Louis XVI revival style that dominated French luxury goods during the mid-19th century. Their tea services embodied the neoclassical ideals of balance, symmetry, and refined ornamentation that characterized the original Louis XVI period. The firm's designers studied 18th century pattern books and surviving examples from the ancien régime, adapting elements such as fluted columns, acanthus leaf motifs, and ribbon-and-swag decorations to contemporary tastes. A typical Cardeilhac tea service might feature a pear-shaped teapot with a carved hardwood handle (often ebony or rosewood), a domed lid topped with a finial in the form of a stylized fruit or floral bud, and a spout shaped like a graceful avian neck. The surfaces would be adorned with chased floral garlands or classical figures in low relief, demonstrating the firm's mastery of repoussé technique.

Serving European Royalty:  The quality of Cardeilhac's output attracted the attention of Europe's most discerning patrons, including members of the French royal family and foreign nobility. The firm benefited from the renewed interest in formal tea service that emerged during the July Monarchy and Second Empire, when the ritual of afternoon tea became an important social occasion among the aristocracy. Cardeilhac's tea services were not merely functional objects but statements of cultural refinement, designed to impress guests with their harmonious proportions and flawless execution. The firm's clientele included not only French aristocrats but also Russian grand dukes, British industrialists, and South American magnates, all seeking the cachet that came with owning pieces from one of Paris's most prestigious silversmiths.

Collaboration with Christofle:  Cardeilhac's relationship with Christofle, the official Silversmith to King Louis-Philippe and later Napoleon III, represents a fascinating chapter in the history of French silver. While Christofle revolutionized the industry with its development of electroplating and mechanized production techniques, it frequently collaborated with traditional ateliers like Cardeilhac for special commissions requiring the highest level of craftsmanship. This symbiotic relationship allowed Cardeilhac to maintain its artisanal integrity while benefiting from Christofle's extensive royal connections. Some of the most elaborate Cardeilhac tea services were produced through this partnership, combining the firm's traditional techniques with Christofle's innovative approaches to design and finishing. The two firms occasionally exhibited together at international exhibitions, presenting a united front of French silversmithing excellence that ranged from mass-produced silverplate to the most exclusive handcrafted sterling silver.

Awards and Accolades: The international exhibitions of the 19th century provided Cardeilhac with important platforms to showcase its artistry and technical mastery. At the 1855 Paris Exposition Universelle, the firm's display of a monumental Louis XVI-style tea service earned critical acclaim and a medal from the jury. The service, which included not only the standard components but also matching trays, waste bowls, and even a samovar for the Russian market, demonstrated Cardeilhac's ability to execute complex designs with flawless precision. Subsequent exhibitions in London (1862), Paris (1867), and Vienna (1873) further cemented the firm's reputation, with each presentation featuring increasingly elaborate tea services that pushed the boundaries of traditional silversmithing. The exhibition pieces often incorporated experimental techniques such as varied surface textures (contrasting highly polished areas with matte finishes) and innovative hinge mechanisms for lids, all while maintaining the formal purity of the Louis XVI aesthetic.

Cardeilhac’s Sterling Tea Sets:  What set Cardeilhac's tea services apart from those of its competitors was the extraordinary attention to functional details. The firm's craftsmen understood that true luxury lay in perfect usability as much as in beautiful appearance. Teapots were carefully weighted to pour without dripping, spouts were shaped to control the flow of liquid precisely, and handles were ergonomically designed to remain cool to the touch. Even the interior surfaces received meticulous attention, with strainers integrated seamlessly into the design and interiors polished to prevent tannin buildup. These practical considerations, combined with the visual harmony of the decorative elements, resulted in tea services that were as much a pleasure to use as they were to behold.

The production process for a Cardeilhac tea service was extraordinarily labor-intensive. A single service might require six to nine months of work from a team of specialized craftsmen, each responsible for a different aspect of production. The repoussé specialists would create the decorative elements by hammering the silver from the reverse side to raise the designs in relief. Chasers would then refine these motifs with tiny punches and gravers, adding texture and detail. Another group of artisans would focus on the assembly, carefully soldering components with joints so precise as to be nearly invisible. Finally, the finishers would polish the surfaces to a mirror-like brilliance, taking care to preserve the crispness of the decorative elements. This division of labor, reminiscent of 18th century workshop practices, ensured that each specialist could achieve absolute mastery of their particular craft.

Cardeilhac's tea services were often customized for important clients, with coats of arms, monograms, or special decorative motifs added to suit individual tastes. The firm maintained an extensive archive of designs that could be adapted or combined to create unique configurations. For particularly prestigious commissions, such as those destined for royal households, Cardeilhac would produce presentation drawings showing the proposed service from multiple angles, sometimes with watercolor washes to indicate the play of light on the silver surfaces. These drawings themselves became works of art and are now prized by collectors and museums as documents of 19th century design process.

Historical Context:  The business records that survive from Cardeilhac's heyday reveal the extraordinary value placed on their tea services. A complete service in the 1860s might cost the equivalent of a skilled worker's annual salary, placing it firmly in the realm of luxury goods. The firm maintained strict quality control, with each piece undergoing multiple inspections before being allowed to bear the Cardeilhac mark. Rejected pieces, rather than being sold at a discount, were routinely melted down and reworked until they met the firm's exacting standards. This uncompromising approach to quality helped maintain Cardeilhac's reputation but also contributed to the relatively small number of pieces that survive today compared to more commercially oriented manufacturers.

The outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870 and the subsequent economic challenges marked the beginning of a decline for traditional silversmithing firms like Cardeilhac. Changing social customs and the rise of more informal entertaining reduced demand for elaborate tea services, while the increasing cost of skilled labor made the firm's traditional methods less economically viable. By the end of the 19th century, Cardeilhac had ceased independent operations, though some of its craftsmen continued working for other Parisian silver firms. The firm's legacy, however, endured through the pieces that remained in use and admiration among collectors and connoisseurs.

The Cardeilhac Legacy:  Today, Cardeilhac's tea services are prized by collectors and museums for their perfect embodiment of 19th century French neoclassical design. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris holds several important examples, including a spectacular service commissioned by the Rothschild family that features exceptionally fine chasing depicting scenes from classical mythology. Auction results demonstrate the enduring appeal of Cardeilhac's work, with complete tea services regularly achieving six-figure prices in the international art market. Scholars of decorative arts continue to study Cardeilhac's output as representing the last flowering of traditional French silversmithing before the full onset of industrialization.

The story of Cardeilhac's tea services offers more than just a chronicle of beautiful objects; it provides insight into the cultural values of 19th century France. In an age of rapid industrialization and social change, these pieces represented continuity with an aristocratic past while simultaneously meeting the demands of a new elite. Their flawless craftsmanship spoke to a French national identity rooted in artistic excellence, while their neoclassical designs connected contemporary patrons with the glory of pre-Revolutionary France. For modern collectors, owning a Cardeilhac tea service is not merely an acquisition of silver but a stewardship of cultural heritage, preserving the skills and aesthetic ideals of a golden age of French craftsmanship.

Set Specifications:  The majestic Coffee Pot is an amazing 24.50 cm. high to the top of the lid, 21.00 cm. across from the tip of the spout to the end of the handle and weights 815 grams. It is stamped with the Cardeilhac Signature Sterling Silver Hallmark as well as the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 Hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver. The magnificent Tea Pot is approximately 21.00 cm. in height to the top of the lid, roughly 23.50 cm. across from the tip of the spout to the end of the handle and weighs 772 Grams. It is stamped with the Cardeilhac Signature Sterling Silver Hallmark as well as the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 Hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver. There is some restoration work that has been done on the Teapot but it is barely visible.

The Cream Pitcher (gold plated interior) stands approximately 14.00 cm. high to the top of the handle, Measures 13.00 cm. across from the end of the handle to the tip of the Spout and Weights 333 grams. It is stamped with the Cardeilhac Signature Sterling Silver Hallmark as well as the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 Hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver. The sturdy Hot Chocolate Server (different pattern) is roughly 20.50 cm. high to the top of the lid, measures approximately 22.50 cm. across to the tip of the handle and weights 561 grams. It is stamped with the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 Hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 Sterling silver in addition to the George Falkenberg sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark.

The magnificent Sugar Bowl, with gold plated (Vermeil) Interior, stands roughly 17.50 cm. high to the top of the lid, measures approximately 15.00 cm. across to the tips of the handles and weights 627 grams. It is stamped with the Cardeilhac Signature Sterling Silver Hallmark as well as the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 Hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 Sterling Silver. The massive Serving Tray is silver-plated bronze and measures 73.50 cm. in length to the tips of the handles, 46.00 cm. wide and weights an astounding 4,200 grams. It is in very good condition with only slight wearing of the silver-plate on the underside and is stamped with the manufacturer's hallmark "A.V. (Vayrat)"