Direct from Paris:
The birth place of art deco, a truly magnificent original "Gatsby Era"
French art deco, 4-piece sterling silver tea set with silver plate serving tray
by one of France’s premier silversmiths "Tetard Frères", in near new condition
and with individual anti-tarnish storage wraps and no monograms on any of the
pieces – circa 1930s. The annals of
French decorative arts reserve a special chapter for Tétard Frères, the Parisian
silversmiths whose creations came to epitomize the marriage of technical mastery
and artistic vision during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Emerging from
the rich tradition of French metalwork, this esteemed firm established itself as
a purveyor of extraordinary silver objects that balanced timeless elegance with
contemporary design sensibilities. Their work, particularly in the realm of 950
sterling silver Art Deco tea services, represents a high watermark in
silversmithing that continues to captivate collectors and connoisseurs today.
Tetard Freres – A
Tradition of Excellence:
At the heart of Tétard Frères' enduring legacy lies their uncompromising
commitment to quality. The firm distinguished itself through its exclusive use
of 950 sterling silver, an alloy containing 95% pure silver that surpassed the
standard 925 sterling in both luster and durability. This choice of material
reflected a philosophy that privileged excellence over economy, resulting in
pieces with a distinctive warmth and substantiality that became synonymous with
the Tétard Frères name. The higher silver content presented technical challenges
that only the most skilled artisans could overcome, requiring precise control
during forging and finishing to maintain structural integrity while achieving
the refined surfaces for which their work became renowned.
The workshop's production methods adhered strictly to traditional
techniques that had been perfected over generations. Each piece underwent an
exacting creation process that might span hundreds of hours of meticulous labor.
Master craftsmen employed specialized tools to execute the delicate chasing and
engraving that adorned many of their creations, transforming flat silver
surfaces into intricate landscapes of floral motifs, geometric patterns, and
occasionally mythological scenes. The repoussé technique, where designs were
hammered into relief from the reverse side of the metal, allowed for
particularly dramatic three-dimensional effects that gave depth and vitality to
their decorative elements.
Awards and Accolades:
The excellence of Tétard Frères' craftsmanship received formal
recognition at several international exhibitions that served as showcases for
industrial and decorative arts. The 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle proved
particularly significant, with the firm earning a gold medal for their display
of silverware that demonstrated both technical virtuosity and artistic
refinement. This triumph established their reputation beyond French borders,
attracting attention from international collectors and dignitaries. Later, at
the seminal 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels
Modernes that gave the Art Deco movement its name, Tétard Frères demonstrated
their ability to adapt to evolving design trends while maintaining their
exacting standards of quality.
Serving European Royalty:
Royal and aristocratic patronage further cemented Tétard Frères' position
at the apex of European silversmithing. Their clientele included King Edward VII
of England, who commissioned several pieces for royal residences, and members of
the Russian aristocracy prior to the revolution. These prestigious commissions
often incorporated personalized elements such as coats of arms or dedications,
requiring the workshop to balance custom requests with their distinctive design
aesthetic. The firm's ability to satisfy such exacting clients while maintaining
artistic integrity speaks volumes about their professionalism and adaptability.
Tetard’s Art Deco Tea
Sets:
The advent of the Art Deco movement presented both challenges and
opportunities for traditional silversmiths like Tétard Frères. Where some
workshops struggled to reconcile the new aesthetic with established techniques,
Tétard Frères embraced the geometric forms and machine-age influences that
defined the style while preserving the handcrafted quality that distinguished
their work. Their Art Deco tea services in particular represent masterful
interpretations of the movement's principles, featuring hexagonal forms, stepped
details, and dramatic contrasts between polished silver and ebony or ivory
accents. Sunburst and chevron motifs appeared frequently in their engraved
decorations, capturing the dynamic energy of the period while maintaining the
refinement expected of French luxury goods.
What set Tétard Frères'
Art Deco creations apart from mass-produced items was their preservation of
artisanal character within modernist designs. Even their most geometrically
severe pieces retained subtle evidence of the human hand - slight variations in
chasing, carefully graduated patinas, and perfectly balanced proportions that no
machine could replicate. This synthesis of tradition and innovation resulted in
silverware that felt simultaneously contemporary and timeless, explaining why
these pieces remain so highly sought after nearly a century later.
The firm's tea services from this period demonstrate particular ingenuity
in their functional design. A typical Art Deco set might feature a teapot with
crisp angular lines softened by an ergonomically curved handle, accompanied by a
sugar bowl with tiered detailing and a creamer with precisely calculated pour
spouts. Serving trays often incorporated radiating patterns that played with
light reflection, creating visual interest whether displayed on a sideboard or
in use during an elegant gathering. These sets were conceived not merely as
serving vessels but as centerpieces that reflected the sophistication of their
owners.
The Legacy of Tetard:
Today, Tétard Frères' creations occupy pride of place in major museum
collections including the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and the Victoria
and Albert Museum in London. Their pieces regularly appear at prestigious
auctions, where they command prices that reflect their status as benchmarks of
silversmithing excellence. Contemporary collectors prize these objects not only
for their beauty and craftsmanship but also as tangible connections to a golden
age of French decorative arts.
The enduring appeal of
Tétard Frères' work lies in its ability to transcend its historical moment.
While firmly rooted in the traditions and aesthetics of their time, their
creations possess a universal quality that continues to resonate. The firm's
legacy reminds us that true luxury resides not in ostentation but in perfect
execution, not in novelty but in thoughtful innovation grounded in respect for
materials and techniques. In an age of mass production and disposable goods,
Tétard Frères' silverware stands as a testament to what human hands and
imagination can achieve when guided by uncompromising standards and artistic
vision.
Set Composition:
Tetard’s 950 sterling silver tea services, like this stunning set, in
particular encapsulate this philosophy, representing the pinnacle of what French
silversmithing could accomplish when technical mastery, artistic sensibility,
and material excellence converged. These magnificent creations continue to
inspire contemporary designers while delighting collectors, serving as enduring
symbols of a tradition that valued beauty, function, and longevity in equal
measure. As we examine these pieces today, we appreciate not just their
aesthetic qualities but the centuries of knowledge and skill they embody - a
legacy that Tétard Frères both inherited and enhanced through their
extraordinary contributions to the art of silversmithing.
This is an amazing
original 4pc. art deco sterling silver tea / coffee set with silver plate
serving tray, dating from the early 1900s and stands as a stunning testament to
the quality and craftsmanship of Tetard Freres. All pieces have been
professionally restored to "Like New" condition and there are no monograms on
any of the pieces. The teapot, coffee pot, sugar bowl, and cream pitcher bear
the Tetard Freres sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark in addition to the
French Government's Hear of the Minerva-1 hallmark. The silver plate serving
tray is also in "Like New" condition with no wearing of the silver plate, not
even on the underside. Each piece comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap
for easy storage.
The magnificent coffee
pot measures approximately 23.00 cm. high to the top of the lid, 21.00 cm.
across from the outer edge of the handle to the tip of the spout, roughly 10.50
cm. wide at its widest point and weights 854 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 Tetard Frères sterling silver manufacturer's
hallmark and comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for easy storage.
The elegant sugar bowl measures approximately 12.00 cm. high to the top
of the lid, 15.50 cm. in length to the tips of the handles, roughly 9.50 cm.
wide at its widest point and weights 544 grams. It is also stamped with the
French Government’s Head of the Minerva-1 hallmark certifying a minimum of 950
sterling silver in addition to the Tetard Frères sterling silver manufacturer's
hallmark and comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for easy storage.
The gorgeous teapot
measures roughly 17.00 cm. high to the top of the lid, 27.00 cm. across from the
outer edge of the handle to the tip of the spout, 11.50 cm. wide at its widest
point and weights an amazing 861 grams. It is also stamped with the French
Government’s Head of the Minerva-1 hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 sterling
silver in addition to the Tetard Frères sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark
and comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for easy storage.
The dainty Cream Pitcher
stands roughly 8.00 cm. high to the top of the handle, measures approximately
15.50 cm. across from the tip of the spout to the outside of the handle, roughly
6.30 cm. wide at its widest point and weights 232 grams. It also bears the
French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark, certifying a minimum of 950
sterling silver in addition to the Tetard Frères' sterling silver manufacturer's
hallmark and comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for easy storage. The
sturdy serving tray is silver plated and measures 52.00 cm. in length to the
tips of the handles, 31.50 cm. across at its widest point and weights 1,549
grams. It is also in "Like New" condition with no wearing of the silver plate,
not even on the underside. It also comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap
for easy storage.
