French Art Deco Octagonal Sterling Silver Tea and Coffee Service with Tray
Tea/Coffee Service (Hollowware) · Likely a major French silversmith such as Tetard Freres, Puiforcat, or Christofle. The style is quintessentially Parisian Art Deco, characterized by high-quality silver architecture and geometric precision.
Pattern: Geometric Octagonal (Art Deco), a custom or signature studio design typical of the 1920s-1930s avant-garde movement.
Type
Tea/Coffee Service (Hollowware)
Maker
Likely a major French silversmith such as Tetard Freres, Puiforcat, or Christofle. The style is quintessentially Parisian Art Deco, characterized by high-quality silver architecture and geometric precision.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) or French 1st Standard (.950). Features exotic wood handles (likely Makassar Ebony or Rosewood) and original silver-plate or sterling tray.
Dimensions
Standard full-size service. Coffee pot approx. 20-22cm height, Teapot 15-18cm. Estimated total silver weight: 2,500 - 4,000 grams including tray.
Description
A striking example of French Art Deco silver, this service features a bold octagonal silhouette that catches light on its flat-planed surfaces. The set includes a tall coffee pot, teapot, creamer, and sugar bowl, all unified by stepped bases and exotic wood accents, presented on a matching double-handled tray.
Key Features
Octagonal multi-faceted bodies, sharp-angled exotic wood handles, and the absence of traditional scrollwork or floral motifs.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) or French 1st Standard (.950). Features exotic wood handles (likely Makassar Ebony or Rosewood) and original silver-plate or sterling tray.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish. Decoration is minimalist and geometric; it relies on the faceted octagonal form and stepped bases/lids. No engraving or chasing, emphasizing the purity of the Art Deco machine-age aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely contains the Minerva Head (French 1st standard .950) in a clipped rectangle and a diamond-shaped 'poincon de maitre' (maker's mark).
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck panels with hand-soldered seams. Precision-cut geometric wood handles fitted with silver pins. Weighted only in the bases for stability.
Functional Features
Hinged lids with stepped finials; high-set geometric spouts designed for a drip-free pour. Wood handles act as heat insulators.
Handle & Grip Details
Angular, stylized wood grips with sharp geometric profiles. Attached via silver sockets with pins. Matching wood finials on the lids.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional precision in the facets. The alignment of the octagonal panels across the four pieces shows master-level bench work and finishing.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry and sharpness of the facets; quality of the wood-to-metal joins; presence of French assay marks on the outer lips of the pots.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, likely Paris. French silver from this era is considered some of the finest in the world due to the high purity (.950) and radical design innovations.
Era & Period
Art Deco (1920-1935). Represents the shift from floral Art Nouveau to the industrial and architectural influences of the interwar period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1925-1930. The radical angularity and lack of traditional ornament are hallmarks of the peak Art Deco era.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-WWI era of 'The Roaring Twenties,' where traditional decoration was abandoned in favor of modernism, speed, and industrial glamour.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition based on visual inspection. Light surface scratches ('breathes') consistent with age. No visible 'pitting' or significant dents. Wood handles appear secure without drying cracks.
Value Estimate
$3,000 - $7,000 USD depending on the specific maker's mark and whether the tray is sterling or silver-plate.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a non-abrasive cream. Avoid immersion in water to protect the wood handles. Use a soft cotton cloth to maintain the mirror finish.
Similar Pieces
Jensen 'Pyramid' or Puiforcat 'Elysée'. Compared to English Art Deco, French examples are usually more angular and use higher silver purity.
Interesting Facts
The octagonal shape was popularized during the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, which gave the 'Art Deco' movement its name.