French Art Deco Sterling Silver Tea Strainer by Tetard Frères
Tea Service / Tea Strainer · Tetard Frères. Founded in Paris in 1880, they were world-renowned silversmiths winning gold medals at the 1889 Exhibition. They are especially famous for their high-quality Avant-Garde and Art Deco silver.
Pattern: Modernist Geometric Pattern; typical of 1920s French production where form followed function with minimal embellishment.
Type
Tea Service / Tea Strainer
Maker
Tetard Frères. Founded in Paris in 1880, they were world-renowned silversmiths winning gold medals at the 1889 Exhibition. They are especially famous for their high-quality Avant-Garde and Art Deco silver.
Material
Sterling Silver (French 1st Standard, .950 fine). High silver content characteristic of premium French silverwork; solid construction without weighted parts.
Dimensions
Estimated 14 cm in length (5.5 inches); Bowl diameter of 6 cm. Approximate weight: 45–60 grams (1.4–1.9 troy ounces). Large enough to sit atop a standard tea cup.
Description
An elegant example of French inter-war functionalism, this tea strainer by the prestigious house of Tetard Frères demonstrates why French silver of this era remains a collector's favorite. The piece features a perfectly circular bowl with precisely spaced perforations, extending into a sleek, undecorated handle that provides a striking silhouette. The high .950 silver content gives it a brighter, whiter luster than standard .925 sterling.
Key Features
Minerva 1st Standard hallmark; prestigious Tetard Frères maker's mark; characteristic Art Deco 'purity of line'; deep bowl geometry.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (French 1st Standard, .950 fine). High silver content characteristic of premium French silverwork; solid construction without weighted parts.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-brushed and polished finish. Minimalist Art Deco style featuring a circular bowl with a clean, flat flange and a 'Fiddle' style spatulate handle. No engraving or chasing, emphasizing the purity of the metal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Minerva Head 1st Standard mark (indicating .950 purity) in a clipped corner frame; Lozenge-shaped silversmith's mark with initials 'T Freres' and a kettle symbol for Tetard Freres.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and die-struck. The handle is soldered to the bowl with a reinforced joint. The perforations in the bowl are precision-drilled in a concentric circular pattern.
Functional Features
Perforated bowl for filtering loose tea leaves; Wide flange to rest securely on the rim of a tea cup; Deep bowl to prevent overflow.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver spatulate handle; attached via a soldered bridge. Ergonomically flared toward the end for a secure grip. Condition is excellent with no bending.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional. The transition from the handle to the bowl is seamless, and the rim of the bowl is finished with a smooth, rounded edge that prevents scratching delicate porcelain cups.
Authentication Indicators
The Minerva '1' mark and the lozenge maker's mark are crisp and correctly positioned on the neck of the handle; the weight and 'warmth' of the metal are consistent with .950 purity.
Origin & Manufacturing
Paris, France. Manufactured in the Tetard Frères workshop, known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities.
Era & Period
Art Deco (circa 1920-1940). Indicators include the geometric circular shape, the lack of floral/rococo ornamentation, and the focus on streamlined industrial aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1925-1930. Date based on the specific maker's mark used during the peak of the Art Deco movement and the item's stylistic profile.
Cultural Significance
Represents the elevation of domestic tea service rituals in early 20th-century French society, where even utilitarian items were treated as sculptural art objects.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Minor surface scratches (swirl marks) consistent with light use and cleaning. No major dents, repairs, or thinning of the silver. No monogram removals.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Value is driven by the prestige of the maker (Tetard) and the popularity of Art Deco period silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's; avoid abrasive dips; rinse thoroughly to remove tea tannins from perforations; store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Christofle 'Uni' pattern strainers (more common/commercial); Puiforcat Art Deco strainers (often more angular/architectural); English 'Old English' pattern strainers (usually thinner and lighter).
Interesting Facts
Tetard Frères was one of the few silver houses that successfully transitioned from 19th-century traditional styles to the radical Modernist movement, often collaborating with designers like Valéry Bizouard.