Napoleon III Sterling Silver

Bloch & Eschwege 273pc. Flatware Set – Description 1st Dibs Direct from Paris, A Stunning 273pc. Privately Commissioned Napoleon III Sterling Silver Flatware Set with Rare Mother-of-Pearl Handled Knives, Original 5 Drawer Lockable Storage Chest and 25 Amazing Serving Pieces by Two of France's Premier Silversmiths "Bloch & Eschwege" Silversmiths to the French Elite, in Superb Condition - circa 1930s. The history of silver-smithing in France is rich and illustrious, and many prominent firms have contributed to its legacy. Among these, Bloch & Eschwege stands out as an exemplar of craftsmanship, innovation, and artistic excellence. Founded in the 19th century, this renowned silversmith firm has left an indelible mark on the world of decorative arts. Bloch & Eschwege was established in the mid-19th century by two remarkable artisans, Joseph-Alexandre Bloch and Emile-Robert Eschwege. Both men were passionate about the art of silver-smithing, and their partnership laid the foundation for a firm that would set new standards of excellence in the craft. Joseph-Alexandre Bloch was born in 1828 in the heart of Paris, a city renowned for its artistic heritage. As a young man, Bloch exhibited an exceptional talent for metalwork, earning an apprenticeship with a prominent Parisian silversmith. This experience provided him with valuable training in the art of working with silver and other precious metals. Bloch's dedication and skill earned him recognition in the silversmithing community, setting the stage for his future partnership with Eschwege. Emile-Robert Eschwege, born in 1832, hailed from a family of skilled metalworkers. His upbringing was steeped in the traditions of silver-smithing, and he showed a remarkable aptitude for the craft from a young age. Eschwege's family background and his own determination to master the art of silver-smithing made him a formidable candidate to join forces with Bloch. In 1855, Bloch and Eschwege joined hands to establish their silversmith firm in Paris. Their partnership was not only rooted in a shared passion for the craft but also a vision to create exceptional pieces that would capture the essence of French artistic expression. The early works of Bloch & Eschwege were characterized by a fusion of traditional silversmithing techniques and innovative designs. Their creations included intricately designed flatware, tableware, and decorative pieces that showcased their mastery over silver, gold, and other precious metals. Their creations soon gained recognition among the elite of Parisian society, attracting a growing client base. Bloch & Eschwege's reputation grew rapidly due to their dedication to artistic excellence and innovation. The firm's artisans continuously pushed the boundaries of silver-smithing, employing novel techniques and materials to create one-of-a-kind pieces. As Bloch & Eschwege's reputation continued to grow, they attracted the attention of European royalty and aristocracy. Their works found their way into the homes of kings, queens, and nobles, solidifying their status as one of the premier silversmith firms in Europe. The firm's most prestigious commissions came from members of the French royal family, including Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. These commissions included exquisite pieces such as ornate candelabras, intricately designed tea sets, and opulent dining services. Bloch & Eschwege's creations not only adorned the palaces of the Tuileries and Compiègne but also graced the tables of state banquets and diplomatic events. Bloch & Eschwege's works were showcased at various international exhibitions, earning them accolades and awards. Notable exhibitions included the 1867 Exposition Universelle in Paris and the 1873 World's Fair in Vienna. The firm's contributions to these events highlighted their role in elevating French silver-smithing to the world stage. Each stunning sterling piece in this amazing set is skillfully handcraft with the fine workmanship that has made the "House of Bloch & Eschwege" a favorite amongst the French Elite. Renowned for their elegant styling and the legendary quality of their flatware sets, this set is an exemplary testament to the quality and luxury typical of early 20th century France - La Belle Epoque ! This set is in extraordinarily good condition. Each sterling piece bears the hallmark of Master French Silversmith "Bloch & Eschwege" in addition to the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 sterling silver. The sterling silver knive blades are by Charles Marseille. This set is of exceptional quality and craftsmanship - check the weights and measures below, all weights and measures approximate: 18 Dinner Knives - Mother of Pearl Handes 24.70 cm. 48 grams 18 Dinner Forks 21.50 cm. 82 grams 18 Tablespoons 21.50 cm. 88 grams 18 Luncheon Knives - Mother of Pearl Handles 20.20 cm. 28 grams 18 Luncheon / Dessert Forks 18.50 cm. 46 grams 18 Luncheon / Dessert Spoons 18.50 cm. 54 grams 18 Dessert Knives - Mother of Pearl Handles & Sterling Silver Blades 20.20 cm. 34 grams 18 Fish Knives 21.00 cm. 54 grams 17 Fish Forks 18.20 cm. 53 grams 17 Oyster Forks 12.00 cm. 22 grams 18 Ice Cream Spoons 13.00 cm. 20 grams 17 Teaspoons 12.50 cm. 19 grams 17 Cake Forks 13.50 cm. 22 grams 18 Knife Blade Rests - Sterling Silver 7.00 cm. 18 grams 1 Berry Serving Spoon 18.00 cm. 55 grams 1 Small "bonbon" Serving Knife 15.20 cm. 23 grams 1 Small Berry Serving Spoon 13.70 cm. 32 grams 1 Small Tart Server 13.20 cm. 25 grams 1 Small "bonbon" Serving Fork 13.70 cm. 23 grams 1 Cheese Serving Knife 19.50 cm. 35 grams 1 Butter Serving Knife...

This important Picture Frame Green is in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated 24 carats. It is rectangular shaped photo frame. The surface of this Picture Frame Green is fired enamel...

Direct from a Private Mansion Near Paris, A Magnificent 327 piece (Service for 18) Sterling Silver Flatware Set by Henri Lapparra; «Silversmith to the French Court". The rich history of French silversmithing boasts many illustrious names, but few have left as indelible a mark as the renowned Lapparra family. For over a thousand years, this lineage of skilled artisans has crafted exquisite silverware that transcends mere utility, evolving into a symbol of luxury, artistry, and French cultural heritage. The story of the Lapparra family's silversmithing prowess begins in the early 10th century. By the 12th century, the Lapparra name had become synonymous with craftsmanship, and their workshops produced intricate chalices, candlesticks, and reliquaries for churches across France. The 19th century witnessed the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and the consolidation of his empire. The Lapparra silversmiths adapted to the imperial tastes, crafting magnificent pieces that showcased the grandeur of the First French Empire, like this amazing 327-piece flatware set. In addition, elaborate tea and coffee sets, dinnerware, and ornate presentation pieces were created for the imperial court, earning the family the coveted title of "Imperial Silversmiths." The Lapparra family's creations graced the tables of Napoleon's lavish banquets and adorned the Palais des Tuileries. Their innovative techniques, set new standards in silversmithing. Even after Napoleon's fall, the Lapparra legacy endured, as they continued to cater to the elite of Europe, from Russian tsars to British nobility. The Lapparra family's enduring legacy extends far beyond their magnificent silverware. Their contributions to the world of silversmithing have left an indelible mark on French culture and the global art community. Their ability to evolve with the times while preserving their commitment to quality and craftsmanship has made them a symbol of artistic excellence. The Lapparra name is not only associated with opulence and luxury but also with innovation and artistic expression. Their influence can be seen in the work of countless contemporary silversmiths who draw inspiration from their rich history. The Lapparra family's legacy continues into the 21st century, as the family's artisans continue to produce exquisite silverware, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities. With a renewed focus on custom creations and limited-edition series, they cater to collectors, museums, and connoisseurs worldwide. This set is in extremely good condition and comes with a stunning 5-drawer, marble top storage...

Direct from a Private Mansion in Paris, a Magnificent 9pc. Antique French 950 Sterling Silver Tea Set by the World's Premier French Silversmith Jean-Baptiste Odiot, plus 6 Faberge Im...

This excellent handbag perfume holder is in 925/1000 sterling silver. it has a fine manual engraving of Napoleon III Empire style ornaments with wood-like grain, with translucent bro...

This exquisite Picture Frame Napoleon III is in 925/1000 sterling silver. it has a Squared Shape and sky colour for the fire enameled surface on guilloche. Picture Frame Napoleon III...

This admirable Picture Frame is in 925/1000 sterling silver. it has a Fan shape with blue and sky color for the fire enameled surface on guilloche. Picture Frame fan...

Round table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fired enamels, with “paillons” in pure gold on the upper circle, fine floral miniature fired enamelled by the painter Ren...

This most stylish heavy French solid silver tea or coffee cup and matching saucer are boldly marked in several places with the French high grade Minerva silver mark for .950 grade si...

Magnificent box Napoleon III in lacquered wood and gold with hors d'oeuvres or cheese in silver and mother-of-pearl handle with monogram. Hallmark of the master goldsmith Touron in P...

Round table box in 925/1000 sterlin silver gold plated with fired enamels, with “paillons” in pure gold on the upper circle, fine fired enamelled miniature with hand-painted floral i...

Rectangular travel photo frame with hinged booklet for 2 photos in 925/1000 sterling silver with fire-enamelled stripes in Art Deco style. Measureme...

Rectangular table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent two-tone striped fired enamel on guillochè and hand-engraved ornament. Late Empire Napoleon III style. ...

Rectangular frame with oval photo in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel with two-tone stripes on guillochè and hand engravings. External dimensions cm...

Square table frame for round photos diameter cm. 7, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent two-tone fired enamels on guillochè, with bord...

Square table frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè with edges in French Empire Napoleon III style. External cm. 18 x 18, internal c...

Shaped snuff box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fire-enameled stripes and fine oval enameled miniature in center cm. 3 x 4 hand-painted by ...

Oval frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with two-color translucent strips fire-enameled on guillochè and hand-engraving and with French Empire Napoleon III style ornament...

Oval table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fired enamel, with “paillons” in pure gold on the upper circle, fine miniature fired enamelled with an image of “fox hunti...

A very fine and scarce French pair silver Baptismal oil containers in its original leather fitted travelling case dating from 1850. The two cylindrical shaped oil containers are conjoined and both have tight fitting covers mounted with crosses. The oil containers have engraved initials OC and SC probably denoting oil and incense which would have been used in the baptismal ceremony. The identical lids too are similarly marked to ensure that these are not mixed up. The containers appear to have a slightly gilded finish to the interior and the oil containers are engraved to the bases and date 1850. They come in their original leather case with a small brass hook...

Pair of small Etruscan-shaped vases. Austro-Hungarian craftsmanship from the 19th century in silver-gilt and cabochons. They are carved with fluting and vegetal patterns and adorned ...

A 19th century German parcel gilt silver and crystal 3-piece garniture set comprising a centerpiece and pair of compotes, each cast with four putti and supporting etched crystal bowl...

A finely-chased French .950 fine silver five-piece carving service comprising a caving knife, a carving fork (with adjustable resting stand for raising it off of the table), a serving fork with bone tines, a serving spoon with bone bowl, and a handle for holding a leg of lamb ("manche a gigot...