Tetard Freres Christofle antique French 5pc Gatsby era art deco sterling silver tea set
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.
