Silver Dessert Cutlery Service 10 People from Odiot Louveciennes, 1890s, Set of 54

Details

Description

A superb solid silver dessert flatware set (minerva hallmark), crafted in the prestigious louveciennes pattern by the odiot firm.

the … Read more A superb solid silver dessert flatware set (minerva hallmark), crafted in the prestigious louveciennes pattern by the odiot firm.

the set is adorned with a coat of arms beneath a crown, attributed to the foy family, a prominent lineage from the first empire.

provenance

this flatware bears the arms associated with maximilien sébastien foy (1775–1825), a divisional general, count of the empire, grand officer of the legion of honor, and a major figure in the napoleonic campaigns, whose name is inscribed on the arc de triomphe.

a remarkable officer, he distinguished himself particularly in spain, where he was wounded several times, before becoming an influential member of parliament and a great liberal orator during the restoration.

the presence of the minerva hallmark (post-1838) indicates that the set was made after its abolition. It is therefore highly probable that this silverware set was commissioned by his son, maximilien sébastien auguste foy (1815–1871), 2nd count foy.

the latter, a peer of france under the july monarchy, moved in the highest political circles and perpetuated the family's rank and prestige.

it was customary in these prominent families to commission silverware bearing their coat of arms and inherited titles.

set set (54 pieces)

10 dessert spoons – 19.5 cm
10 dessert forks – 19 cm
10 fruit knives (silver blades) – 21 cm
10 dessert knives (steel blades, marked odiot in full) – 21 cm
10 teaspoons – 15 cm

4 serving pieces:

1 serving spoon – 25.5 cm
1 pie server – 28.5 cm
1 small serving spoon – 20 cm
1 cheese knife – 21.5 cm

total gross weight: 3,105 g

hallmarks

minerva 1st standard hallmark (950‰ sterling silver)
odiot silversmith's hallmark

the flatware set also includes pieces subcontracted by silversmiths working with odiot, notably émile puiforcat for some spoons and forks and édouard corvoisier mainly for some knives. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less