Tetard & Christofle - 4pc Art Deco "Gatsby Era" Tetard 950 Sterling Silver Tea Set + Christofle Serving Tray, 1920s, Museum Quality

Direct from Paris: Direct from the birthplace of Art Deco, a truly magnificent 4pc. original "Gatsby Era" French Art Deco sterling silver tea / coffee set by one of France's premier silversmiths "Tetard Frères", accompanied with a stunning Christofle Art Deco silver-plate serving tray and there are no monograms on any of the pieces, circa 1920s. The history of French silversmithing represents a remarkable confluence of artistic innovation, technical mastery, and cultural refinement, with Paris serving as the epicenter of this luxurious craft since the 17th century. Among the most distinguished ateliers to emerge from this tradition was Tetard Freres, a firm that not only embodied the highest standards of French metalwork but also played a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetic sensibilities of the early 20th century. Established during the Belle Époque, a period characterized by unprecedented artistic flourishing, Tetard Freres distinguished itself through an unwavering commitment to excellence, producing silverware that was as much a testament to engineering precision as it was to decorative artistry. 

What set Tetard Freres apart was their ability to seamlessly merge traditional silversmithing techniques with the avant-garde design principles that came to define the Art Deco movement. Their work, particularly their 950 sterling silver tea sets, exemplifies the sophistication of the interwar period, when luxury objects were not merely functional but served as expressions of modernity, wealth, and cultural refinement. These pieces were crafted during what is often referred to as the "Gatsby era," a time of opulence and artistic daring, immortalized in literature and design. 

Quality & Craftsmanship:  The foundation of Tetard Freres in late 19th-century Paris coincided with a golden age of French decorative arts, a period when silversmithing was undergoing a transformation from ornate, historicist designs to more innovative and modern forms. The firm’s early work reflected the influence of Napoleon III’s Second Empire style, characterized by rich ornamentation and classical motifs. However, as the 20th century approached, Tetard Freres began to embrace more streamlined aesthetics, anticipating the coming Art Deco revolution.  Central to their reputation was their use of 950 sterling silver, an alloy composed of 95% pure silver, which was superior to the more common 925 standard. This higher silver content not only enhanced the metal’s natural brilliance but also improved its durability, ensuring that each piece maintained its structural integrity over decades of use. The decision to work with such a premium material was a deliberate statement of luxury, appealing to an elite clientele who demanded nothing less than perfection. 

The firm’s artisans employed a range of traditional and innovative techniques to achieve their distinctive finishes. Hand-chasing, a meticulous process of refining surface details with small engraving tools, allowed for intricate patterns that were both precise and expressive. Repoussé work, where silver was shaped from the reverse side to create raised designs, added depth and dimensionality to their pieces. Additionally, Tetard Freres was known for its mastery of hammered finishes, which produced textured surfaces that played with light in dynamic ways.  One of the most remarkable aspects of Tetard Freres’ craftsmanship was their ability to balance ornamentation with restraint. Unlike earlier Victorian silver, which often featured excessive decorative elements, their designs were refined, with geometric accents that emphasized form rather than overwhelming it. This approach was particularly evident in their tea and coffee services, where ergonomic considerations were paramount. Handles were shaped for comfort, spouts were designed for optimal pouring, and lids fit with exact precision—demonstrating that beauty and functionality were inseparable in their philosophy. 

Awards and Accolades:  The excellence of Tetard Freres was formally recognized through numerous awards at international exhibitions, which served as the premier platforms for artisans to showcase their work.  Among their most notable achievements was their participation in the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, a monumental event that celebrated the pinnacle of global craftsmanship.  Here, Tetard Freres was awarded prestigious medals, cementing their status as leaders in their field. Such accolades were not merely ceremonial; they had tangible commercial benefits, attracting wealthy patrons and securing commissions from aristocratic families across Europe. 

Serving European Royalty:  Beyond official recognition, Tetard Freres enjoyed the patronage of royalty and high society. The firm’s silverware graced the tables of European nobility, who valued both its aesthetic refinement and its technical superiority. This elite clientele included members of the French aristocracy, as well as wealthy industrialists and financiers who sought to emulate aristocratic tastes. The firm’s ability to cater to such discerning buyers was a testament to their adaptability, as they produced both traditional ceremonial silver and cutting-edge Art Deco designs depending on the preferences of their patrons. 

Collaboration with Christofle:  Perhaps the most significant endorsement of their craftsmanship came through their collaboration with Christofle, the legendary French silversmith that held the official title "Silversmith to the King." Christofle’s reputation was unparalleled, having supplied silver to Napoleon III, King Louis-Philippe, and other European monarchs. The partnership between Tetard Freres and Christofle was mutually beneficial: Tetard Freres gained access to exclusive designs and advanced production techniques, while Christofle expanded its portfolio with innovative Art Deco pieces. This alliance further solidified Tetard Freres’ standing as one of the most prestigious silversmiths of their era. 

Tetard & the Art Deco Movement:  The 1920s and 1930s marked a dramatic shift in decorative arts, as the flowing, organic lines of Art Nouveau gave way to the bold, geometric forms of Art Deco. This new style, which took its name from the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, was characterized by symmetry, streamlined shapes, and a fascination with modernity. Tetard Freres was at the forefront of this movement, producing silverware that perfectly encapsulated the luxury and dynamism of the Jazz Age.  Their designs from this period were heavily influenced by Cubism and Futurism, with sharp angles, stepped forms, and rhythmic patterns that evoked the speed and energy of the machine age.  Unlike the heavy, ornate silver of the Victorian era, Tetard Freres’ Art Deco pieces were light, sleek, and visually striking. This aesthetic was particularly well-suited to tea and coffee services, which became centerpieces of social gatherings during the Roaring Twenties. 

The cultural context of this era, often referred to as the "Gatsby era" after F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, was one of unprecedented opulence and social transformation. The wealthy elite of Europe and America embraced a new kind of luxury, one that celebrated modernity rather than tradition. Tetard Freres’ silverware became a symbol of this shift, with their 950 sterling silver tea sets serving as status symbols in high-society homes. These pieces were not merely functional objects but works of art, designed to impress guests and reflect the owner’s sophistication. 

Tetard’s Art Deco Tea Sets: Among Tetard Freres’ most celebrated creations were their Art Deco tea sets in 950 sterling silver, which remain highly sought after by collectors today. These sets were masterclasses in design harmony, with each component - teapot, cream jug, sugar bowl, and tray - exhibiting a cohesive visual language.   What made these tea sets truly exceptional was their material quality. The use of 950 silver ensured a radiant sheen that was noticeably brighter than standard sterling silver, while also providing greater resistance to tarnishing. This attention to detail extended to the interior finishes, where smooth, polished surfaces ensured easy cleaning and maintenance.    Today, Tetard Freres’ Art Deco tea sets are coveted by collectors and museums alike. Their rarity, combined with their historical significance, makes them investment-grade pieces, often fetching high prices at auction. They are not merely antiques but enduring symbols of an era when craftsmanship and design reached unparalleled heights. 

The Tetard Legacy:  Though Tetard Freres is no longer active, their influence persists in the world of luxury silverware. Contemporary firms such as Christofle, Puiforcat, and Ercuis continue to draw inspiration from their designs, particularly their balance of geometric precision and functional elegance.  Their legacy is also preserved in museums and private collections, where their pieces are displayed as exemplars of early 20th-century design. Exhibitions on Art Deco and French decorative arts frequently feature Tetard Freres’ work, underscoring their importance in the history of silversmithing.  For collectors, owning a Tetard Freres piece is akin to possessing a fragment of history - a tangible connection to the glamour and innovation of the Gatsby era. Their tea sets, in particular, stand as monuments to a time when luxury was defined by artistry as much as by opulence. 

Tetard Freres remains one of the most illustrious names in French silversmithing, a firm whose work transcended mere functionality to become art in its own right. Their mastery of 950 sterling silver, their embrace of Art Deco principles, and their prestigious royal and aristocratic patronage all contributed to a legacy that endures to this day.  Their Art Deco tea sets represent the pinnacle of their craft - objects that are as visually striking as they are impeccably made. These pieces continue to captivate collectors, serving as enduring symbols of an era when French luxury reigned supreme.  In the annals of decorative arts, Tetard Freres occupies a place of honor, their name synonymous with elegance, innovation, and uncompromising quality. For those who appreciate the finest expressions of silversmithing, their work remains a timeless testament to the art of luxury.

Set Composition:  This amazing 4-piece 950 sterling silver art deco tea set, with accompanying Christofle silver-plate serving tray, exemplifies the quality and craftsmanship for which the firm was internationally known. The Set is in excellent condition including the Christofle serving tray with no wearing of the silver-plate, not even on the underside. There are no monograms on any of the pieces. The teapot, coffee pot, sugar bowl and cream pitcher bears the Tetard Frères sterling silver Manufacturer's hallmark in addition to the French Government's Head of the Minerva-1 hallmark. The Christofle silver-plate serving tray is stamped "Christofle France" on the underside of each of the handles. Each piece comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for easy storage.

The luxurious coffee pot measures approximately 23.00 cm. high to the top of the lid, 18.00 cm. across from the outer edge of the handle to the tip of the spout and weights 681 grams.  The elegant sugar bowl with gold plated interior (vermeil) measures approximately 14.00 cm. high to the top of the lid, 15.00 cm. wide to the tips of the handles and weights 470 grams. The stunning teapot measures roughly 19.00 cm. high to the top of the lid, 24.00 cm. from the outer edge of the handle to the tip of the spout and weights an amazing 763 grams.  The dainty Cream Pitcher with gold plated (vermeil) interior stands roughly 10.50 cm. high to the top of the handle, measures approximately 12.50 cm. across from the tip of the spout to the outside of the handle and weights 217 grams.  The elegant Christofle serving tray is silver-plate and measures a whopping 58 cm. in length to the tips of the handles, 41 cm. across and weights roughly 3,067 grams. You can’t go wrong buying quality.