The Empire Style of the first Napoleonic period from 1800-1815 very much influenced the design of French silver with motifs from Classical Greece and Rome. It incorporated many Neoclassical details such as acanthus leaves, palmettos, swags, garlands, palm leaves, cameo portraits, beadwork, three winged women and lion's paws. This style had an enduring popularity throughout France, especially during the more restrained tastes of Louis-Philippe’s reign (1830-1848). This comparative simplicity was followed by a revival of Rococo motifs under Napoléon III (1852 -1870). The expansion of the of the French middle classes in the middle of the century meant that silversmiths evolved their designs to reflect the material success and social status of this class, and they created silverware that was grander, more exuberant and opulent. The 19th century revival of mid-18th century Louis XVI and Rococo styles took off and formed the bedrock of French silver design in the second half of the 19th century, until it was superseded by the new artistic movements of the Art Nouveau and Belle Epoque at the end of the 19th and beginning the 20th centuries.

Maison Odiot

Perhaps the most famous of all the French silversmiths is Maison Odiot. Founded during the reign of Louis XV in 1690 by Jean-Baptiste Gaspard Odiot, it was his grandson Jean-Bapsitse Claude Odiot (1763-1850) who brought the firm to international prominence. Making silver in the highly fashionable Neoclassical taste, Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot won numerous commissions from Napoleon and the Imperial family during the First Empire which included the Coronation sword and sceptre; Napoleon’s campaign dinner service; the King Of Rome’s cradle, and vast dinner services for Napoleon’s mother Mme. Mère, and his sister, Pauline Borghese.

Jean-Baptiste Claude’s son Charles Nicolas Odiot inherited the business in 1823, and under his direction the firm became official silver supplier to King Louis-Philippe in 1825, spearheading the Rococo revival. As the firm’s international reputation continued to grow, families of the Russian Imperial Court were hugely important clients, with Charles winning a major commission from Prince Paul Demidof for a silver service in 1831. The reputation of Odiot’s silverware saw them become suppliers to many other European Royal Courts and noble families. Charles’ son Gustave took the business over in the later 19th century and won the largest order ever placed with Odiot from Said Pacha, Viceroy of Egypt, for a 3000 piece gold flatware service. Charles also became purveyor by appointment to the court of His Majesty the Tsar. Odiot’s contribution to the history of silversmithing and design can be seen in the collections of the world’s leading museums, including the Louvre and Hermitage.

Maison Boin Taburet

Maison Boin-Taburet was established in 1873 by silversmith Georges Boin and his jewellery maker father-in-law, Emile Taburet. From the 1880s, Boin-Taburet were at the forefront of the revival of Louis XV and Louis XIV styles in French silverware. The silverware they commissioned and sold was inspired by 18th century craftsmen and artists like François-Thomas Germain (1726-1791) and Juste-Aurèle Meissonier (1695-1770). The mermaid supports on Lot 124 offered in this sale are highly reminiscent of the mermaids on the wine cooler designed by Meissonier in 1723 for Louis-Henri de Bourbon, Prince de Condé. Boin-Taburet won a Gold Medal at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle for their 18th century revival style. Georges and Emile continued to work together until 1900, when the firm became Boin and Henry Goldsmiths. The name changed again in 1906 to Henry Brothers & Co, and later to Henry & Son in 1936.

Tetard

Edmond Tetard took over the business of master silversmith Émile Hugo in 1880 and registered his mark that year. Noted for the quality of his craftsmanship, Tetard specialised in elegant tableware and cutlery in the Rococo and Louis XV styles, becoming a leading supplier of silver to the French Aristocracy, and earning him the sobriquet ‘Silversmith to the King’. He exhibited at the 1889 Universal Exposition and won a gold medal. Edmond’s sons Henri, Jacques and Georges took the business over following his death in 1901, renaming the business Tetard Frères. Under their direction, Tetard Frères became one of the leading silversmiths of the 20th century and pioneers of Art Deco design in the 1920s and 30s.

Maison Keller

Maison Keller was founded in 1856 by Gustave Keller at 65 rue de Turbigo in Paris, and the exceptional quality of his designs and wares won him a gold and silver medals at the 1867 and 1878 Paris Expositions Universelles. The firm became Keller Frères in 1878 and started to manufacture silverware. They moved premises again in 1891 to 22 rue Joubert. They continued to exhibit at the major international exhibitions and won another gold medal in 1899 and the Grand Prix in 1900. Maison Keller was patronised by major international clients, and they became official supplier of silverware to the courts of Spain, Russia, Greece and Romania.

Maison Cardeilhac

Maison Cardeilhac was founded in 1804 by Antoine-Vital Cardeilhac, who specialised in making cutlery. From the 1850s the firm’s reputation grew under the leadership of Antoine’s son Armand, and even more so under his grandson Ernest, who took over the running of the business in 1885. Ernest employed the designer Lucien Bonvallet and other leading craftsmen in his dedicated workshops, which used the latest technologies to create the most exquisite gold and silverwares. Cardeilhac was awarded a silver medal at the 1889 Universal Exposition and gained further acclaim at the 1900 Exposition. In 1904 he passed the business to his sons Jacques and Pierre, who continued to create silverware of exceptional quality and innovative designs. The Cardeilhac business was bought by rival Christofle in 1951.

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Auction Details

Wednesday 19 February, 10.30am GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING:

• Viewing in London (highlights): 16-17 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5LU
  • Tuesday 4 February: 10am-4pm
  • Wednesday 5 February: 10am-4pm
• Viewing in Newbury (full sale): Donnington Priory, RG14 2JE
  • Friday 14 February: 10am-4pm
  • Sunday 16 February: 10am-3pm
  • Monday 17 February: 10am-4pm
  • Tuesday 18 February: 10am-4pm