Ravinet d'Enfert French Silver Plated Hollowware Piece
Hollowware (likely Tray, Dish, or Serving Platter) · Ravinet d'Enfert, a prestigious French silversmith firm founded in 1891 by Louis Ravinet and Charles d'Enfert. Located at 83 rue du Temple in Paris, the firm won several gold medals at Universal Exhibitions and is renowned for high-quality Art Deco and mid-century designs.
Pattern: Classical Plain Pattern (likely a minimalist Art Deco or mid-century modern design)
Type
Hollowware (likely Tray, Dish, or Serving Platter)
Maker
Ravinet d'Enfert, a prestigious French silversmith firm founded in 1891 by Louis Ravinet and Charles d'Enfert. Located at 83 rue du Temple in Paris, the firm won several gold medals at Universal Exhibitions and is renowned for high-quality Art Deco and mid-century designs.
Material
Silver Plate over base metal (Metal Blanc). The hallmark includes a numerical stamp indicating the grams of silver used in the plating process.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter/width of 25-35cm; weight is likely substantial due to the heavy gauge base metal used by this maker.
Description
A high-quality piece of French silver-plated hollowware from the celebrated firm of Ravinet d'Enfert. This piece showcases the firm's transition from traditional 19th-century silversmithing to the clean, architectural lines favored in the mid-20th century. The heavy silvering and substantial base metal make it a durable yet elegant example of French table service.
Key Features
The 'Clover' maker's mark, the distinctive banner-style name stamp, and the high-grade 'Metal Blanc' base metal.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate over base metal (Metal Blanc). The hallmark includes a numerical stamp indicating the grams of silver used in the plating process.
Finish & Decoration
Satin to mirror polish with heavy circular burnishing (planishing) marks visible in the center. Modernist aesthetic emphasizing form over ornate surface decoration.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Features the maker's name 'RAVINET D'ENFERT' in a banner, the clover leaf (trèfle) symbol, the 'Metal Blanc' square mark for silver plate, and a numerical stamp for the silvering grade.
Construction Details
Spun or die-struck with machine-assisted polishing. The piece exhibits a thick, rolled edge characteristic of high-end French hotel-ware quality silver plate.
Functional Features
Wide flat surface for serving; slightly raised rim to contain juices or items; durable industrial-grade silver plating.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible in this detail shot; the rim appears to be a continuous smooth edge without separate handles.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial silversmithing; the stamping is clean and the metal gauge is thick, a hallmark of Ravinet d'Enfert's superior quality over standard domestic silver plate.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are deep and crisp, consistent with authentic Ravinet d'Enfert dies. The wear patterns are consistent with a genuine vintage silver-plated item.
Origin & Manufacturing
Paris, France. Manufactured in the Ravinet d'Enfert workshop using traditional French electroplating techniques.
Era & Period
Art Deco to Mid-Century Modern (1930s-1960s). The typeface of the stamp and the clean lines are indicative of 20th-century French industrial design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960 based on the hallmark style and the circular finishing marks on the metal surface.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratisation of luxury in post-war France, where high-design silver-plated items pieces were used to maintain traditional dining etiquette in modern households.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Significant surface scratching and circular scuffing consistent with heavy cleaning or use as a serving piece. No visible plate loss (bleeding) in this image.
Value Estimate
$80 - $200 USD depending on the full form (tray vs bowl) and overall size. Condition of the plate is the primary value driver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) and a soft cotton cloth. Avoid circular scrubbing to prevent worsening the current scuff marks. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Christofle (Gallia line) or Ercuis silver-plated serving trays. These often fetch similar prices but differ in their specific maker's symbols.
Interesting Facts
Ravinet d'Enfert was the official provider of silverware for several luxury French hotels and ocean liners, contributing to the global reputation of 'Art de la Table' à la française.