Boin-Taburet antique French sterling silver serving platters and sterling silver and vermeil flatware set
Direct from St.
Tropez:
Direct from a private mansion in St. Tropez, a stunning 19th century 950
sterling silver and vermeil table service by premier French silversmith "Boin
Taburet", consisting of a 322-piece flatware set plus a 15 piece Serving platter
set in their classic shell pattern, absolutely magnificent, circa late 1890s.
The 19th century represented a golden age for French decorative arts,
particularly in the realm of silversmithing, where technical precision and
artistic innovation converged to produce some of the most exquisite tableware in
European history. Among the luminaries of this era, the Parisian firm Boin-Taburet
emerged as a preeminent force, celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship,
royal patronage, and the enduring beauty of its silver creations. Specializing
in sterling silver and vermeil flatware, as well as ornate serving pieces such
as Louis XVI-style platters, Boin-Taburet’s work epitomized the elegance and
sophistication of French luxury during a period marked by opulent dining culture
and aristocratic refinement.
The Early Years:
The origins of Boin-Taburet can be traced to the early 19th century, a
time when Paris reasserted itself as the epicenter of fine silver production
following the upheavals of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The
firm’s exact founding date remains uncertain due to incomplete archival records,
but it is widely accepted that it rose to prominence during the Bourbon
Restoration (1814–1830) and the subsequent July Monarchy (1830–1848). These
periods witnessed a resurgence of aristocratic wealth and a renewed demand for
luxury goods, creating fertile ground for master silversmiths to thrive.
Boin-Taburet
distinguished itself early on by adhering to the highest standards of
craftsmanship while embracing stylistic influences from both the Empire and
Restoration periods. The firm’s name likely derives from its founders, though
historical documentation regarding its earliest proprietors is sparse. What is
clear, however, is that by the mid-19th century, Boin-Taburet had secured a
place among the elite Parisian silversmiths, alongside illustrious
contemporaries such as Odiot, Christofle, and Puiforcat. The firm’s workshops,
likely located in the historic silversmithing district of the Marais, employed
highly skilled artisans who specialized in forging, chasing, and gilding silver,
ensuring that each piece met exacting standards.
The 19th century was a
transformative period for French silver, as the burgeoning bourgeoisie and the
returning aristocracy sought tableware that reflected their social standing.
Boin-Taburet responded to this demand by producing works that blended
functionality with artistic grandeur. The firm’s designs frequently drew
inspiration from the Louis XVI style, a neoclassical aesthetic characterized by
symmetry, floral motifs, and restrained elegance. This stylistic choice not only
aligned with the prevailing tastes of the time but also ensured that
Boin-Taburet’s creations would remain timeless, transcending the fleeting trends
that influenced other manufacturers.
Focus on Quality:
The foundation of Boin-Taburet’s enduring reputation lay in its
unwavering commitment to quality. Unlike many manufacturers who began to adopt
industrial techniques in the latter half of the 19th century, Boin-Taburet
remained steadfast in its dedication to traditional handcrafting methods. Each
piece was meticulously shaped, engraved, and finished by master silversmiths who
had undergone years, if not decades, of apprenticeship to perfect their skills.
This painstaking approach ensured that every item bore the hallmarks of
exceptional artistry - precise detailing, balanced proportions, and a flawless
surface finish.
A defining feature of
Boin-Taburet’s work was its use of 950 sterling silver, a higher silver content
than the standard 925 (Britannia silver) commonly used by other firms. This
elevated purity not only enhanced the metal’s luster but also improved its
resistance to tarnishing, making Boin-Taburet’s pieces particularly desirable
for discerning clients. The firm’s Louis XVI-style serving platters, for
example, were crafted from this superior alloy, resulting in pieces that were
both visually striking and remarkably durable. These platters often featured
elaborate chased borders adorned with acanthus leaves, floral swags, and
scalloped edges, demonstrating the silversmiths’ ability to manipulate silver
into intricate, three-dimensional forms.
In addition to sterling
silver, Boin-Taburet excelled in the production of vermeil - a technique that
involved the application of a thick layer of gold over sterling silver through
either fire-gilding or electrolysis. Vermeil flatware sets from the firm were
especially prized for their dual-tone aesthetic, which combined the warmth of
gold with the brilliance of silver. The gilding process was executed with such
precision that even after extensive use, the gold layers remained intact, a
testament to the firm’s superior craftsmanship. The firm’s vermeil pieces often
featured delicate engravings and ornamental details, such as shell motifs and
gadrooning, which further enhanced their luxurious appeal.
Awards and Accolades:
Boin-Taburet’s mastery of silversmithing was formally recognized at
several international exhibitions, which served as platforms for manufacturers
to showcase their finest works and compete for prestigious awards. These events,
including the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London and the Paris Expositions of
1855, 1867, and 1878, were instrumental in shaping the reputations of luxury
artisans and firms.
At the 1867 Paris
Exposition Universelle, Boin-Taburet garnered significant acclaim for its
sterling silver flatware and ornamental serving pieces. The jury praised the
firm’s ability to harmonize traditional craftsmanship with innovative design,
awarding it a medal for outstanding artistry. This accolade not only solidified
Boin-Taburet’s standing among the leading silversmiths of the era but also
attracted a global clientele, including wealthy patrons from Russia, England,
and the Americas. The firm’s participation in these exhibitions also highlighted
its adaptability to evolving tastes, as it successfully balanced neoclassical
purity with the more elaborate revival styles that gained popularity during the
Second Empire.
The firm’s success at
these exhibitions was not merely a matter of aesthetic achievement but also a
reflection of its technical prowess. Boin-Taburet’s ability to produce large,
flawless silver pieces - such as monumental centerpieces and multi-piece dining
services - demonstrated its superior metallurgical expertise and organizational
capacity. These feats of craftsmanship required not only skilled artisans but
also sophisticated workshop practices, further distinguishing Boin-Taburet from
lesser competitors.
Serving European
Royalty:
The prestige of Boin-Taburet’s silver was such that it attracted the
patronage of some of the most prominent figures of 19th-century Europe. The
firm’s clientele included members of the French imperial family, high-ranking
aristocrats, and wealthy industrialists who sought to emulate the lifestyles of
the nobility. Napoleon III and his
court were among the most illustrious patrons of Boin-Taburet. The Second Empire
(1852–1870) was a period of extravagant entertaining, and the imperial household
required vast quantities of luxurious tableware for state banquets and
diplomatic functions.
Beyond France,
Boin-Taburet’s silver found favor among the Russian aristocracy, who were avid
collectors of French luxury goods. The firm’s pieces were imported to St.
Petersburg and Moscow, where they graced the tables of noble families such as
the Yusupovs and the Sheremetevs. The Russian elite’s fondness for French silver
was such that many services were custom-commissioned, often featuring engraved
coats of arms or monograms to signify their distinguished ownership.
The firm’s ability to cater to such an exclusive clientele was a
testament to its exceptional craftsmanship and its understanding of the symbolic
power of silver. In an era when dining rituals were laden with social
significance, possessing a Boin-Taburet service was not merely a matter of
utility but a statement of refinement, wealth, and cultural sophistication.
Boin-Taburet’s Serving
Platters:
Among Boin-Taburet’s most celebrated creations were its Louis XVI-style
serving platters, which embodied the neoclassical ideals of balance, proportion,
and elegance. These platters were not merely functional objects but works of
art, designed to serve as the centerpieces of formal dining tables.
Crafted from 950 sterling silver, these platters were distinguished by
their substantial weight and flawless finish. The raised edges were often
adorned with intricate chased patterns, such as laurel wreaths, Greek key
motifs, and floral garlands, which demonstrated the silversmiths’ mastery of
repoussé and chasing techniques. The central surfaces of the platters were
typically left plain to highlight the natural sheen of the silver, though some
bespoke examples featured engraved family crests or dedications.
The Louis XVI platters
were frequently part of larger serving sets that included matching tureens,
sauce boats, and carving dishes and flatware sets – as with this amazing table
service. These ensembles were designed to create a cohesive aesthetic for grand
dinners, where the presentation of food was as important as its quality. The
platters’ versatility also made them suitable for a variety of culinary uses,
from presenting roasted meats to displaying elaborate desserts.
Today, Boin-Taburet’s Louis XVI platters are highly sought after by
collectors, not only for their beauty but also for their historical
significance. Well-preserved examples with provenance linking them to noble
families command premium prices at auction, underscoring the enduring appeal of
the firm’s work.
Sterling & Vermeil
Flatware Sets:
Boin-Taburet’s flatware sets represented the pinnacle of 19th-century
dining luxury. These sets, which often included dozens of individual pieces,
were crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality that
characterized the firm’s larger serving pieces.
The sterling silver flatware was distinguished by its elegant proportions
and refined detailing. Patterns such as "Louis XVI" and "Antique" featured
slender, tapering handles adorned with delicate engravings, while more elaborate
designs incorporated shell motifs, gadrooning, and other ornamental elements.
The balance and ergonomic precision of these utensils made them as practical as
they were beautiful, ensuring a seamless dining experience.
For clients seeking even
greater opulence, Boin-Taburet offered vermeil flatware, where select elements -
such as the handles or decorative bands - were gold-washed. The contrast between
the gleaming gold and the cool silver created a striking visual effect,
elevating the dining experience to new heights of sophistication. These sets
were often commissioned for special occasions, such as weddings or diplomatic
gifts, and were cherished as heirlooms.
The Boin-Taburet
Legacy:
Though the Boin-Taburet firm ceased operations in the late 19th or early
20th century, its legacy endures through the surviving pieces that grace museums
and private collections. The rarity of its works, combined with their
exceptional quality, ensures that they remain highly desirable among silver
enthusiasts. Modern collectors value
Boin-Taburet silver not only for its beauty but also for its historical
resonance. Each piece tells a story of 19th-century luxury, of banquets hosted
by emperors and soirées attended by Europe’s elite. Furthermore, the firm’s
adherence to 950 sterling silver makes its works particularly durable and
resistant to wear, ensuring that they can be enjoyed for generations.
Boin-Taburet stands as a
paragon of 19th-century French silversmithing, a firm whose dedication to
quality, artistry, and innovation earned it royal patronage and international
acclaim. From its magnificent Louis XVI-style serving platters to its exquisite
sterling silver and vermeil flatware, the company’s creations embody the
pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship. Today, these pieces are not merely
antiques but enduring symbols of a bygone era when silver was more than
tableware - it was a statement of refinement, power, and timeless elegance.
For collectors and historians alike, Boin-Taburet’s silver remains a
testament to the golden age of French decorative arts, a legacy that continues
to shine as brightly as the precious metals from which it was forged.
Set Specifications:
This is an amazing table service set in excellent condition. The magnificent
serving platter set consists of a 3-piece covered vegetable server, 5 oval
serving platters, 4 round serving platters, 1 round serving dish and a 3-piece
gravy boat in 950 sterling silver and hallmarked "Boin-Taburet". The covered
vegetable server in 950 sterling silver measures roughly 31.50 cm. in length to
the tips of the handles, approximately 21.00 cm. in diameter, 13.00 cm. in
height and weights 1,493 grams.
The first oval serving
platter measures roughly 50.00 cm. in length, approximately 34.00 cm. across at
its widest point and weights 1,766 grams. The second oval serving platter
measures roughly 50.00 cm. in length, approximately 34.00 cm. across at its
widest point and weights 1,724 grams.
The third oval serving platter measures roughly 45.00 cm. in length,
approximately 31.00 cm. across at its widest point and weights 1,282 grams. The
fourth oval serving platter measures roughly 45.00 cm. in length, approximately
31.00 cm. across at its widest point and weights 1,311 grams.
The fifth oval serving platter measures roughly 40.00 cm. in length,
approximately 28.00 cm. across at its widest point and weights 1,168 grams.
The first round serving
platter measures roughly 33.00 cm. in diameter and weights 1,025 grams. The
second round serving platter measures roughly 33.00 cm. in diameter and weights
1,055 grams. The third round serving platter measures roughly 29.00 cm. in
diameter and weights 793 grams. The fourth round serving platter measures
roughly 29.00 cm. in diameter and weights 792 grams.
The serving dish measures roughly 27.00 cm. in diameter. 4.5 cm, in
height and weights 745 grams. The gravy boat with 950 sterling silver insert
measures roughly 26.00 cm. in length, approximately 28.00 cm. across at its
widest point, 18.00 cm. in height and weights 1,167 grams.
Each of the serving
platter pieces is stamped on the underside with the French Government's Head of
the Minerva 1 hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver in addition
to the Boin-Taburet sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark - "Boin Taburet a
Paris" and each comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for easy storage.
The 322pc flatware set
(service for 24) with vermeil (gold plated 950 sterling silver) dessert pieces
and the extra dinner forks and knives is perfect for entertaining larger groups.
The mother-of-pearl handled cake knives with sterling silver blades is another
rarity. The set is in excellent condition and the individual pieces are even
more stunning than can be reflected by the photographs. The set is extremely
good value for money. Except for the Mother-of-Pearl handled cake knives, each
piece bears the French Government’s Head of the Minerva-1 Hallmark, signifying a
minimum of 950 sterling, along with the Boin-Taburet manufacturer's hallmark.
The Mother-of-Pearl handled cake knives also bears the French Government’s Head
of the Minerva 1 hallmark on the blades certifying a minimum of 950 sterling
silver along with the M.T. manufacturer's hallmark. The 322pc flatware set
includes the following:
72 Dinner Knives 25.50
cm. 101 grams
72 Dinner Forks 20.80 cm.
100 grams
24 Tablespoons 21.20 cm.
98 grams
24 Luncheon Knives -
Vermeil Handle Stainless Blade` 20.80 cm. 55 grams
24 Luncheon / Dessert
Forks - Vermeil 18.50 cm. 60 grams
24 Luncheon / Dessert Spoons - Vermeil 19.00 cm. 61 grams
24 Dessert Knives -
Vermeil 20.20 cm. 55 grams
24 Dessert Knives -
Mother of Pearl Handles, Sterling Silver Blades 20.00 cm. 40 grams
24 Teaspoons - Vermeil
14.50 cm. 33 grams
1 Asparagus Server 24.50
cm. 192 grams
1 Large Soup / Stew
Serving Ladle 31.00 cm. 238 grams
1 Berry Serving Spoon -
Vermeil 20.80 cm. 98 grams
1 Ice Cream Serving Scoop
- Vermeil 22.50 cm. 116 grams
1 Custard / Dessert
Serving Scoop - Vermeil 22.50 cm. 106 grams
1 Salt Serving Spoon 8.50
cm. 9 grams
1 Small Dessert Serving
Fork 15.00 cm. 34 grams
1 Olive Serving Spoon
15.00 cm. 40 grams
1 Individual Tart Server
15.50 cm. 41 grams
1 Small Dessert Serving
Knife 17.00 cm. 40 grams
