French Art Deco Sterling Silver Creamer with Macassar Ebony Handle
Hollowware (Tea/Coffee Service accessory, Creamer) · Typically French silversmiths such as Tetard Freres, Puiforcat, or Jean E. Puiforcat (influenced style). French silversmithing is renowned for high-caliber design and strict purity standards regulated by State-mandated assaying.
Pattern: Geometric Octagonal/Faceted Art Deco Pattern; likely a custom atelier design or limited production run characteristic of 1925-1935 Parisian workshops.
Type
Hollowware (Tea/Coffee Service accessory, Creamer)
Maker
Typically French silversmiths such as Tetard Freres, Puiforcat, or Jean E. Puiforcat (influenced style). French silversmithing is renowned for high-caliber design and strict purity standards regulated by State-mandated assaying.
Material
French 1st Standard Sterling Silver (.950 purity), carved tropical hardwood (likely Macassar Ebony or Rosewood), and traditional silver solder.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 12-14 cm; Estimated weight: 250-350 grams. Standard individual creamer size for a multi-piece tea service.
Description
An exceptional example of French Art Deco hollowware, this creamer showcases the transition from traditional ornamentation to architectural modernism. Its octagonal body reflects light across crisp facets, while the sharp, geometric wooden handle provides a stunning material contrast typical of high-end Parisian silver of the 1930s.
Key Features
Geometric octagonal paneled body; exotic wood handle with sharp 'machine-age' angles; stepped pedestaled foot; French .950 high-purity silver standard.
Material & Composition
French 1st Standard Sterling Silver (.950 purity), carved tropical hardwood (likely Macassar Ebony or Rosewood), and traditional silver solder.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with geometric faceting. Minimalist Art Deco aesthetic focusing on architectural form rather than applied ornament. Features an octagonal body and stepped foot (typical of the Machine Age style).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Minerva Head mark in a clipped rectangle (indicates .950 silver purity in France), along with a lozenge-shaped maker's mark containing the silversmith's initials and a symbol.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and planished body with applied cast silver handle sockets. The octagonal facets are achieved through precise folding and soldering or heavy-gauge planishing over a mandrel. No evidence of machine spinning.
Functional Features
Wide-mouth pouring spout integrated into the rim flare; heat-insulating wooden handle prevents temperature transfer from hot contents; stepped foot for stability.
Handle & Grip Details
Angular, hand-carved exotic wood (Macassar Ebony) handle with a geometric profile; attached to the silver body via pin-and-socket joints for insulation and durability.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior quality; the alignment of facets across the body and foot indicates master-level planishing. The fit of the wooden handle into the silver sockets is precise with no gaps, a hallmark of atelier production.
Authentication Indicators
Lozenge-shaped maker's mark (exclusive to France); high-purity .950 luster; hand-finished solder joints where the socket meets the facets; proper wood-to-metal pin assembly.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, likely Paris. French manufacturing from this era set the global standard for modernist luxury silver, blending industrial geometry with artisanal hand-finishing.
Era & Period
Art Deco Period (c. 1925-1940). Influenced by the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, emphasizing bold lines and luxury materials.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930. The combination of geometric faceting and the specific wood handle profile is iconic to French production during the interwar years.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Style Moderne' of the Parisian elite, moving away from the floral excesses of Art Nouveau toward a celebration of the machine age and modern luxury.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. Surface shows minor micro-scratches consistent with gentle use. Wood handle is intact without cracks or significant drying. No visible dents or previous solder repairs. Mirror polish is well-maintained.
Value Estimate
$850 - $1,400 USD as an individual piece. If part of a complete service with teapot and sugar, value increases significantly per unit.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth and high-quality cream like Wright's. Avoid immersion of the wooden handle in water; occasionally treat wood with mineral oil. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Puiforcat 'Nantes' or 'Cannes' patterns; Tetard Freres faceted hollowware. Competitor pieces from Jensen (Danish) would be more organic/hammered; American pieces (Gorham) would likely be thinner gauge.
Interesting Facts
French silver of this era was often .950 fine, which is purer than the British or American .925 sterling standard, giving the metal a whiter, more brilliant sheen.