Lapparra - 220-pc. Antique French 950 sterling silver flatware set plus storage cabinet
Direct from France:
Direct from a Private Villa in St. Tropez, A Magnificent 220pc. Louis XVI French
950 Sterling Silver Flatware Set by Henri Lapparra, "Silversmith to the French
Elite", Includes a Magnificent 6 Drawer Carved Mahogany Custom Storage Cabinet
and 19 Serving Pieces. The art of
French silversmithing reached its zenith in the 19th century, a period marked by
unparalleled craftsmanship, innovation, and royal patronage. Among the most
distinguished names in this golden age of silverware was “Lapparra”, a Parisian
silversmith firm celebrated for its exceptional quality, intricate designs, and
prestigious clientele. Specializing in sterling silver flatware, Lapparra’s
creations embodied the elegance and sophistication of French luxury, earning the
firm numerous awards and the favor of European aristocracy.
The Early Years:
The Lapparra firm was established in Paris during the early 19th century,
a time when France was experiencing a resurgence in decorative arts following
the turbulence of the Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The firm quickly
distinguished itself through its adherence to the highest standards of
silversmithing, combining traditional techniques with innovative designs.
Lapparra’s artisans were masters of their craft, employing methods passed down
through generations while also embracing the artistic movements of the day,
including Rococo Revival, Neoclassicism, and later, Art Nouveau influences.
The company’s reputation
was built on its meticulous attention to detail, from the precise hammering of
silver sheets to the delicate engraving of floral and foliate motifs. Unlike
mass-produced silverware, Lapparra’s pieces were individually crafted, ensuring
that each item bore the mark of exceptional artistry. The firm’s hallmark—a
guarantee of authenticity and quality—became synonymous with luxury, attracting
discerning collectors and nobility across Europe.
Gold Medal Winner:
Throughout the 19th century, Lapparra’s mastery was consistently
acknowledged at international exhibitions and competitions. The firm
participated in prestigious events such as the *Exposition Universelle* in Paris
(1855, 1867, 1878, 1889, and 1900), where it received multiple medals for
excellence in design and craftsmanship. These exhibitions were instrumental in
showcasing French industrial and artistic prowess, and Lapparra’s success
cemented its status as a leader in luxury silverware.
In 1867, Lapparra was
awarded a *Gold Medal* at the Paris Exposition Universelle, a distinction
reserved for only the most exceptional artisans. The judging panel praised the
firm’s ability to harmonize traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics,
setting a benchmark for other silversmiths. Later, at the 1878 exhibition,
Lapparra’s flatware was commended for its innovative use of *oxidized silver*—a
technique that created contrasting dark accents, enhancing the visual depth of
engraved patterns. Beyond France,
Lapparra’s works were exhibited in London, Vienna, and Philadelphia, earning
acclaim from international critics and collectors. The firm’s participation in
these global fairs not only bolstered its prestige but also expanded its market,
with wealthy patrons from Russia, England, and the United States commissioning
bespoke services.
Serving European Royalty: A
defining aspect of Lapparra’s legacy was its association with European royalty
and nobility. The firm’s clientele included members of the French imperial
family, notably Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, who favored Lapparra’s
silverware for state banquets and private dining. The grandeur of the Second
Empire demanded opulent table settings, and Lapparra’s creations perfectly
complemented the lavish interiors of the Tuileries Palace and Compiègne.
Beyond France, Lapparra’s
works graced the tables of the British aristocracy, including the Duke of
Wellington and the Marquess of Hertford, who acquired complete flatware services
for their country estates. Russian nobility, known for their extravagant tastes,
also commissioned custom pieces, often incorporating enamel or gemstone accents
to suit their preferences. One of
the most notable royal commissions was a monumental flatware set created for the
wedding of a Habsburg archduke in the 1880s. This service, comprising over 600
individual pieces, featured hand-chased coats of arms and intricate mythological
scenes, requiring nearly two years to complete. Such projects underscored
Lapparra’s ability to meet the exacting demands of high-ranking patrons while
maintaining uncompromising quality.
The Lapparra Legacy:
Although the Lapparra firm ceased operations in the early 20th century, its
legacy endures among collectors and connoisseurs of antique silver. Today,
original Lapparra flatware sets are highly prized at auctions, with
well-preserved examples fetching substantial sums. Museums, including the Musée
des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London,
showcase Lapparra’s works as exemplars of 19th-century silversmithing.
The firm’s influence can also be seen in contemporary luxury silverware,
with modern artisans drawing inspiration from Lapparra’s designs. The emphasis
on handcrafted detail, the use of high-grade sterling silver, and the
integration of artistic motifs remain hallmarks of fine tableware, a testament
to Lapparra’s enduring impact.
Lapparra’s contributions
to 19th-century silversmithing represent the pinnacle of French craftsmanship.
From their meticulously crafted 950 sterling silver flatware to their
prestigious royal commissions, the firm set a standard of excellence that
remains unmatched. Their numerous awards at international exhibitions attest to
their artistic and technical mastery, while their aristocratic patronage
highlights their status as purveyors of luxury. Today, Lapparra’s silverware
continues to be celebrated, a timeless symbol of elegance and refinement in the
decorative arts. Through their
dedication to quality and innovation, Lapparra secured a permanent place in the
history of silversmithing, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire
admiration and reverence among collectors and historians alike.
Set Composition:
This set is in extremely good condition with the original magnificent
custom-made carved wood storage cabinet and an extra set of serving pieces by
Phillipe Berthier - 1845. Each of the main flatware pieces bear the hallmark of
the French Government's "Head of the Minerva - 1" Hallmark, certifying a minimum
of 950 sterling silver in addition to the Henri Lapparra manufacturer's sterling
silver hallmark. The extra serving pieces also bear the hallmark of the French
Government's Head of the Minerva-1 in addition to the Phillipe Berthier sterling
silver manufacturer's hallmark. The Mother of Pearl handled dessert knives bears
the French Government's Head of the Minerva 2 hallmark in addition to the Louis
Piault manufacturer's hallmark. There are no monograms on any of the main
flatware pieces but the salt spoons and salt cellars have the "SC" monogram. The
set is of exceptional quality and craftsmanship - check the weights and measures
below (all weights and measures approximate):
18 Dinner Knives -
Stainless Steel Blades 25.00 cm. 71 grams
18 Dinner Forks 21.50 cm.
90 grams
18 Tablespoons 21.50 cm.
92 grams
12 Dessert Knives -
Sterling Silver Blades 20.20 cm. 50 grams
12 Luncheon Knives -
Stainless Steel Blades 20.50 cm. 50 grams
12 Luncheon / Dessert
Forks 16.70 cm. 46 grams
12 Luncheon / Dessert
Spoons 16.70 cm. 40 grams
15 Dessert Knives -
Mother of Pearl Handles, Gold Plated Silver Blades 18.70 cm. 28 grams
12 Fish Knives - Sterling
Silver Blades 21.20 cm. 60 grams
12 Fish Forks 18.70 cm.
55 grams
12 Custard Spoons -
Vermeil Bowls 12.40 cm. 19 grams
12 Teaspoons 12.50 cm. 18
grams
12 Oyster Forks 12.80 cm.
25 grams
12 Coffee Spoons 11.00
cm. 13 grams
12 Ice Cream Spoons -
Vermeil Bowls 14.30 cm. 24 grams
2 Salt Spoons in Vermeil
8.50 cm. 10 grams
2 Double Salt Cellars -
Vermeil Interiors 10.00 cm. 125 grams
1 Small Individual Tart
Server 13.50 cm. 37 grams
1 Small Berry Serving
Spoon 14.50 cm. 40 grams
1 Salad Serving Fork -
Vermeil Prongs 26.00 cm. 123 grams
1 Salad Serving Spoon -
Vermeil Bowl 26.00 cm. 127 grams
1 Large Ice Cream Server
- Vermeil Blade 24.30 cm. 85 grams
1 Cheese Serving Knife -
Stainless Steel Blade 20.00 cm. 51 grams
1 Large Meat Serving Fork
- Silver Prongs 29.00 cm. 211 grams
1 Large Salad Serving
Fork - Ivorine Prongs 27.50 cm. 64 grams
1 Large Salad Serving
Spoon - Ivorine Bowl 27.00 cm. 69 grams
1 Large Cake / Pie
Serving Knife - Sterling Silver Blade 32.00 cm. 161 grams
1 Small 'bonbon' Serving
Fork - Sterling Silver Prongs 18.50 cm. 40 grams
1 Small 'bonbon' Server -
Sterling Silver Blade 18.00 cm. 42 grams
1 Small Berry Serving
Spoon - Sterling Silver Bowl 18.00 cm. 43 grams
1 Small Dessert Serving
Scoop - Sterling Silver Bowl 18.00 cm. 43 grams
1 Large Meat Serving
Knife - Acier Blade 32.50 cm. 123 grams
