French Art Deco Octagonal Sterling Silver Coffee Pot by Charles Tirbour
Tea/Coffee Service (Coffee Pot) · Charles Tirbour (active Paris, early 20th century). Tirbour was a noted French silversmith known for high-quality geometric Art Deco hollowware and refined dining accessories in the interwar period.
Pattern: Octagonal Art Deco Geometric. This is a non-named architectural pattern characteristic of French modernism in the 1920s-30s.
Type
Tea/Coffee Service (Coffee Pot)
Maker
Charles Tirbour (active Paris, early 20th century). Tirbour was a noted French silversmith known for high-quality geometric Art Deco hollowware and refined dining accessories in the interwar period.
Material
Sterling Silver (likely .950 French First Standard Minerva). The handle is crafted from carved exotic hardwood (likely Macassar Ebony or Walnut) which acts as a natural heat insulator.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 22-24 cm (approx. 9 inches). Estimated weight: 650-800 grams. Standard individual or small-group serving size.
Description
A striking example of French Art Deco silversmithing, this coffee pot by Charles Tirbour exemplifies the 'Machine Age' aesthetic. Its tall, tapering octagonal body rises from a matching stepped base, creating a sense of architectural verticality. The contrast between the brilliant mirror-polished silver and the dark, matte wood handle provides a sophisticated textural interplay typical of high-end Parisian silver of the 1930s.
Key Features
Sharp octagonal geometry; architectural stepped finial and base; original carved wood handle; exceptional surface tension and high-standard French silver purity.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (likely .950 French First Standard Minerva). The handle is crafted from carved exotic hardwood (likely Macassar Ebony or Walnut) which acts as a natural heat insulator.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with minimal ornamentation. The decoration relies entirely on the 'planished' facets of the octagonal form and the crisp, clean lines of the stepped base and lid. Minimalist Art Deco style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically found near the rim or on the base: The Minerva Head (1st Standard .950 purity) and Charles Tirbour's maker's mark (initials CT with a symbol in a lozenge). It also features a 'leboncoin' watermark from the listing source.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and seamed. The octagonal panels are precisely planished to create sharp, light-reflecting vertices. The spout is cast and hand-soldered, and the lid is fitted with a hand-turned silver finial.
Functional Features
Hinged dome lid with a stepped finial; integrated pouring spout with a slight lip to prevent dripping; carved hardwood handle to prevent heat transfer during service.
Handle & Grip Details
Angular, carved wood handle with a 'D-shape' ergonomic grip. Attached via silver sockets with pins. The handle shows sharp geometric faceting consistent with the body's design.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior hand-finishing is evident in the alignment of the facets between the body and the lid. The soldering of the spout is seamless, and the tension of the hinge indicates high-precision bench work.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark placement on the lid and body flange; characteristic Charles Tirbour lozenge mark; crispness of the hand-raised edges which are difficult to replicate in cast fakes.
Origin & Manufacturing
Paris, France. Manufactured in a professional silversmithing workshop adhering to the strict hallmarking standards of the French Republic.
Era & Period
Art Deco (1920-1939). Indicators include the strict geometric octagonal form, the stepped pedestal base (reminiscent of skyscraper architecture), and the lack of floral or scroll-work engraving.
Age Estimate
Circa 1925-1935. The design language is peak French Modernism, popularized following the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from the flowing curves of Art Nouveau to the industrial, streamlined aesthetic of the 20th century. It reflects the post-WWI desire for order, symmetry, and modern luxury.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The silver retains a strong luster with local surface micro-scratches consistent with polishing. The wood handle appears secure with no visible cracks. Minor tarnish in the recessed areas of the base and hinge.
Value Estimate
$1,200 - $1,800 USD. Value is driven by the maker's reputation, the popularity of Art Deco hollowware, and the weight of the high-purity silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid submersing the wooden handle in water; treat the wood occasionally with mineral oil to prevent drying. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Works by Jean Puiforcat or Tetard Frères. While Puiforcat is more expensive/abstract, Tirbour offers a similar geometric quality and superior craftsmanship at a slightly more accessible tier.
Interesting Facts
French silver of this period often used .950 purity, which is higher than the .925 British/American standard. Charles Tirbour pieces were often sold in high-end Parisian boutiques like those on Rue de la Paix.