Direct from France: Direct from a private chateau near Paris, a stunning 184pc. gold plated sterling silver (vermeil) flatware set by internationally known French silversmiths "Societe Parisienne d'Orfevrerie" complete with original 6-drawer storage cabinet and 16 magnificent serving pieces, superb condition - circa 1911 and no monograms. The annals of 19th century French silverware bear witness to numerous illustrious workshops, yet few achieved the remarkable synthesis of technical mastery, artistic innovation, and aristocratic prestige as the Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie. Founded by Odiot during the flourishing years of the Second Empire, this distinguished Parisian firm carved its legacy through exceptional creations in gold-plated 950 sterling silver, known as vermeil, particularly in the realm of flatware. While maintaining its distinct identity, the firm's close association with the legendary Odiot dynasty - through shared master craftsmen, parallel design philosophies, and overlapping aristocratic patronage - positioned it among the foremost creators of luxury tableware in nineteenth-century Europe.
The Early Years: The emergence of Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie coincided with a period of remarkable innovation in French decorative arts during the mid-nineteenth century. Though lacking the multi-generational heritage of the Odiot dynasty, which traced its origins to 1690, SPO rapidly ascended to prominence by adopting and adapting the exacting standards that had made Odiot synonymous with excellence in European silverware. This connection manifested most significantly through the migration of skilled artisans between workshops, as numerous master silversmiths who had trained in Odiot's ateliers brought their expertise to SPO's benches. These craftsmen carried with them not only technical knowledge but also the aesthetic sensibilities that defined French high silverwork during this golden age.
What set Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie apart was its particular specialization in vermeil, the art of gold-plating sterling silver. While Odiot certainly produced vermeil pieces among its vast output, SPO made this technique a defining characteristic of its production, particularly in flatware. The process demanded extraordinary precision, involving the plating of 950 sterling silver - an alloy of exceptional purity containing 95% fine silver - with a substantial layer of 24-karat gold. This marriage of precious metals created tableware that combined the structural integrity and luminous quality of silver with the sumptuous warmth of gold, resulting in pieces that glowed with rich, deep radiance. The technical challenges of this process were considerable, requiring perfect preparation of the silver surface and meticulous control of the gilding bath to ensure even, durable coverage that would withstand generations of use.
Master Craftsman in Vermeil: The foundation of SPO's flatware excellence lay in its uncompromising approach to materials and technique. In an era when many manufacturers had begun adopting the 925-sterling standard for economic reasons, SPO remained steadfast in its use of 950 silver, a purer alloy that offered superior workability and a distinctive luminous quality. This higher silver content not only enhanced the metal's natural brilliance but also provided greater resistance to the stresses of daily use, ensuring that pieces maintained their structural integrity over decades of service. The gold plating process itself represented a triumph of French electrochemical innovation, with SPO's craftsmen perfecting a technique that deposited a substantially thicker and more durable layer of gold than conventional gilding methods.
Each component in an SPO flatware service represented countless hours of skilled labor, beginning with the careful forging of blanks that would be transformed through a series of specialized processes. Master chasers employed repoussé techniques to create intricate decorative motifs on handles, working from the reverse side to produce low-relief designs of floral arrangements, mythological scenes, or geometric patterns. Engravers then refined these elements, adding delicate details that brought the designs to life with astonishing realism. The functional elements of each piece received equal attention, with blades and bowls carefully balanced for optimal weight distribution and ergonomic comfort. A single place setting might require weeks of work from multiple specialists, each contributing their expertise to create a harmonious whole.
The most elaborate commissions incorporated personalized elements that transformed functional tableware into bespoke works of art. Aristocratic clients frequently requested custom monograms or family crests, often executed in exquisite detail with additional embellishments of enamel or precious stones. These personalized touches not only demonstrated the owner's status but also served as a testament to SPO's ability to accommodate the most discerning tastes. The firm's workshops maintained extensive pattern books containing hundreds of design variations, allowing for nearly infinite customization while maintaining the cohesive aesthetic that defined SPO's output.
A Favorite of European Royalty: Like its esteemed counterpart Odiot, Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie enjoyed considerable favor among European royalty and aristocracy, particularly during the reign of Napoleon III. The Second Empire court's appetite for lavish tableware created ideal conditions for SPO's ascent, with the firm's vermeil flatware becoming a particular favorite for state banquets and diplomatic gifts. The inherent qualities of vermeil - its resistance to tarnishing in humid conditions and its opulent visual appeal - made it especially desirable among the international elite who frequented Paris during this period of unprecedented luxury.
Among SPO's most illustrious commissions was a comprehensive twelve-place vermeil service created for Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. This magnificent ensemble exemplified the rococo revival style favored by the imperial court, with each piece featuring elaborate rocaille scrollwork intertwined with naturalistic vine motifs. The service's attention to detail extended to its specialized pieces, including fish servers with delicately pierced blades and sauce ladles with perfectly balanced handles. Another significant patron, Tsar Alexander II of Russia, commissioned a vermeil flatware service featuring Cyrillic monograms and subtle references to traditional Russian decorative arts, demonstrating SPO's ability to adapt its designs to diverse cultural preferences.
The firm's clientele extended beyond imperial courts to include the rising financial and industrial elites of the period. American magnates touring Europe, British aristocrats refreshing their country estates, and the newly wealthy bourgeoisie of Paris all sought SPO's creations as tangible symbols of their refined taste and social standing. This broad appeal stemmed from SPO's unique position at the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and innovative production techniques, allowing it to meet the exacting standards of old-world aristocracy while satisfying the practical demands of modern entertaining.
Awards and Accolades: The excellence of Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie's creations received formal recognition at the great international exhibitions that served as showcases for industrial and artistic achievement throughout the nineteenth century. The 1855 Paris Exposition Universelle marked a watershed moment for the firm, where its exhibition of vermeil flatware earned a gold medal and lavish praise from the international jury. Contemporary accounts particularly noted the flawless execution of the gilding and the ergonomic perfection of each piece, with one critic remarking that the flatware seemed to "anticipate the hand's movements before being lifted."
Subsequent appearances at the 1862 London International Exhibition and the 1867 Paris World's Fair further cemented SPO's reputation as a leader in luxury flatware production. At these events, the firm demonstrated its capacity for innovation, presenting designs that incorporated functional improvements far ahead of their time. The weighting of knife handles for better balance, the reinforcement of fork tines to prevent bending, and the development of more durable gilding techniques all testified to SPO's commitment to marrying aesthetic beauty with practical utility. These advancements proved particularly appealing to an international clientele seeking tableware that could withstand the rigors of frequent use without sacrificing visual splendor.
Critical reception of SPO's exhibition pieces frequently highlighted the firm's ability to synthesize historical inspiration with contemporary sensibilities. While many competitors relied on slavish reproductions of earlier styles, SPO's designers demonstrated remarkable skill in adapting traditional motifs to modern forms. A service shown in 1867, for instance, reinterpreted Renaissance grotesque ornamentation through the lens of Second Empire taste, creating patterns that felt simultaneously historic and innovative. This creative approach, combined with uncompromising technical execution, set SPO apart from its peers and established its flatware as the epitome of sophisticated dining culture.
Stunning Vermeil Flatware Sets: The complete vermeil flatware services produced by Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie represented the culmination of nineteenth-century French silverware design. A full service might comprise dozens of distinct pieces, each meticulously crafted to fulfill a specific function while maintaining visual harmony with the whole. Dinner, salad, and dessert forks displayed subtle variations in size and proportion tailored to their intended use, while an array of spoons - from substantial soup spoons to delicate tea spoons - demonstrated the range of SPO's formal vocabulary. Matching serving pieces completed these ensembles, with specialized implements for every conceivable culinary need, from sauce ladles with perfectly calibrated bowls to cake servers with elegantly tapered blades.
Among SPO's most celebrated patterns was the "Fleurs des Champs" service, which adorned each piece with a different botanical motif corresponding to its function. Dinner forks bore roses, their petals rendered in delicate high relief; butter knives featured daisies with engraved centers; soup spoons carried ivy vines that seemed to twine naturally around the handles. This harmonious variation created a dynamic visual rhythm when the service was laid for formal dinners, with each place setting offering its own miniature botanical study while contributing to an overall effect of unified luxury.
Another masterpiece, the "Empire Céleste" service, reflected the period's fascination with Asian aesthetics through its incorporation of Chinese-inspired cloud and dragon motifs. The high relief decoration on these pieces demonstrated SPO's mastery of repoussé technique, with the sinuous bodies of dragons seeming to move across the surfaces as they caught the light. What made this service particularly remarkable was its successful adaptation of exotic motifs to traditional European tableware forms, creating a synthesis that appealed to cosmopolitan tastes without sacrificing functionality.
The Legacy of SPO: Though Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie ceased operations in the early twentieth century, its creations continue to command considerable attention from collectors and institutions alike. Well-preserved SPO vermeil services regularly appear at major international auctions, where they consistently achieve impressive results. A complete "Fleurs des Champs" service sold at Sotheby's in 2018 realized nearly $150,000, while individual rare pieces from important services frequently reach five-figure sums. This strong market performance reflects both the inherent quality of SPO's work and the growing appreciation for nineteenth-century French silverware among discerning collectors.
Museums worldwide have recognized the artistic and historical significance of SPO's output. The Musée d'Orsay in Paris maintains several important examples in its decorative arts collection, including pieces from Empress Eugénie's service. Across the Atlantic, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has displayed SPO flatware in exhibitions exploring the evolution of European tableware. These institutional holdings ensure that SPO's contributions to silversmithing remain accessible to scholars and enthusiasts, preserving the firm's legacy for future generations.
What distinguishes SPO's flatware in today's collecting landscape is its remarkable balance of beauty and practicality. While many nineteenth-century luxury goods were created solely for display, SPO's vermeil services were designed from the outset for actual use. This functional focus, combined with exceptional craftsmanship, means that many pieces remain in service today, their gold plating still intact after more than a century of careful use. For contemporary collectors, acquiring SPO flatware represents not merely the purchase of antique silver, but an opportunity to participate in a living tradition of exquisite dining culture.
Epilogue: The story of Société Parisienne d'Orfèvrerie represents one of the most compelling chapters in the history of French decorative arts. Through its specialization in vermeil flatware, the firm achieved a perfect synthesis of technical mastery and artistic expression that placed it at the forefront of nineteenth-century silversmithing. Its close association with the Odiot dynasty provided a foundation of traditional craftsmanship, while its innovative spirit propelled it to new heights of creative and technical achievement. The royal patronage it enjoyed and the international recognition it received stand as testament to its preeminent position in the world of luxury tableware.
Today, SPO's creations continue to captivate collectors and connoisseurs, their warm golden glow undimmed by the passage of time. Each piece serves as a tangible connection to an era when dining represented not merely sustenance but a refined art form, when the implements of the table received the same careful consideration as the finest paintings or sculptures. In examining SPO's legacy, we gain insight not only into the evolution of French silverware but into the broader cultural values of the nineteenth century - a period that celebrated both innovation and tradition, and that found in firms like SPO the perfect expression of its aspirations.
Set Composition: This magnificent 184 piece set in 24 caret gold plated sterling silver is a stunning testament to the quality and craftsmanship for which the firm was internationally known. Each piece (except for the coffee spoons) bears the hallmark of Master French Silversmith "Societe Parisienne d'Orfevrerie" in addition to the French Government's "Head of the Minerva-1" hallmark. The coffee spoons bear the manufacturer's hallmark "SL" and are in gold plated 800-silver. The set is of exceptional quality and craftsmanship and includes the original custom-made storage chest that measures 51 cm. in length, 43 cm. high and 37 cm. deep. The set includes the following (all weights and measures below are approximate):
12 Dinner Knives - Stainless Blades 25.50 cm. 100 grams
12 Dinner Forks 21.30 cm. 82 grams
12 Tablespoons 21.50 cm. 86 grams
12 Luncheon Knives - Stainless Blades 21.50 cm. 65 grams
12 luncheon / Dessert Forks 18.50 cm. 52 grams
12 Luncheon / Dessert Spoons 18.30 cm. 52 grams
12 Fish Forks 18.30 cm. 56 grams
12 Fish Knives 22.00 cm. 64 grams
12 Dessert / Custard Spoons 18.50 cm. 57 grams
12 Oyster Forks 12.30 cm. 21 grams
12 Teaspoons 13.50 cm. 27 grams
12 Ice Cream Spoons 13.50 cm. 28 grams
12 Coffee Spoons (different pattern) 10.50 cm. 18 grams
12 Cake Forks 14.20 cm. 26 grams
1 Large Salad Serving Spoon 26.00 cm. 117 grams
1 Large Salad Serving Fork 26.00 cm. 115 grams
1 Serving Knife with Stainless Blade 20.50 cm. 76 grams
1 Cheese Serving Knife - Stainless Blade 25.00 cm. 99 grams
1 Gigot Holder 20.00 cm. 149 grams
1 Butter Serving Knife - Stainless Blade 20.80 cm. 74 grams
1 Large Pie Serving Knife 26.20 cm. 130 grams
1 Ice Cream / Custard Serving Scoop 25.50 cm. 129 grams
1` Cake Serving Knife 26.60 cm. 123 grams
1 Large Fish Serving Knife 26.20 cm. 129 grams
1 Large Fish Serving Fork 22.70 cm. 105 grams
1 Sauce Serving Ladle 25.00 cm. 132 grams
1 Large Serving Spoon 25.80 cm. 119 grams
1 Gravy Serving Ladle with Grease Skimmer 18.20 cm. 101 grams
1 Large Soup / Stew Serving Ladle 30.80 cm. 244 grams
1 Large Serving Fork 25.80 cm. 108 grams
