Antique French Sterling Silver & Vermeil 15-piece Tea Service Burl Wood Boxed Set

Silver : Antique : Sterling, Silver

 

A gorgeous and complete antique 19th century French sterling silver & gilt vermeil 15-piece tea service set comprising of twelve spoons, a pair of sugar tongs tipped by stylized clawed lion paws with acanthus leaf detail, tea strainer and elaborately scalloped tea caddy spoon, all finely housed in the original burl wood presentation box with working lock and key! Each piece is beautifully decorated in a machine engraved guilloche pattern; a central medallion adorns the back of the spoon handles, engraved with a monogram of interlacing initials of MD in elaborate script.

Each piece is hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st titre mark, designating .950 silver content. Marker’s marks for Silversmith Hénin Freres, 1865-1872 of rue des Engants-Rouges in Paris. However, the sugar tongs (though of matching) bears a different maker’s mark, of initials C&G for Cordonnier & Granvigne (1863-1868) of 30 rue des Gravillers in Paris.

The presentation box is of a burled wood veneer, possibly walnut?,edged by rosewood? with a slightly domed lid adorned by a central cartouche of engraved brass inlay in elaborate foliate embellished by small mother of pearl knobs and rosettes. Also monogrammed with the same initials of MD. Lid opens to reveal a rich fuchsia satin & velvet fabric lining the interior in great condition for its age (looks as though the set was hardly used).

Overall in very good condition for its age: the set is complete showing little usage over the years with just some light wear to the vermeil. No veneer loss to the box, however there are a few small nips to the bottom edge from use as well as some cracks along the corners from age. Though the box locks, the two frontal corners do not sit flush.

Total weight of the silver is 385 g.

Please see photos for measurements.

Hénin Freres

The company began as Thomas & Hénin, manufacturing silverware, small table silver, and fine cutlery. Their maker's mark was registered on October 4th 1861 and their workshop was at 9 rue des Engants-Rouges in Paris. The mark was struck off on August 15th 1865 and a new maker's mark was registered just two days later under a new company name, Hénin Freres. The company continued at the same address, and used the title Hénin Freres until August 12th 1872. The company continued under various names, including Hénin & Cie and Hénin & Vivier. Lastly, on October 1st 1933, the company changed its name to Maison Hénin.

CORDONNIER & GRANVIGNE

After working alone from 1858-1863 manufacturing flatware and silverware, Charles Cordonnier became partners with Jean Granvinge, opening a workshop at 30 rue des Gravillers in Paris. Their maker's mark (initials C & G above an emblem in the form of a shoemaker's tool) was registered on November 20th 1863 and they separated in 1868.

Item ID: MP-588