Exceptional and rare 3 piece tea set in French sterling silver covered with gold! The baluster shaped tea pot, lidded sugar and cream each exquisitely engraved floral, foliate rocailles cartouches. Each piece stands atop four feet attached to the bodies with sumptuous chased acanthus leafs. The lobed bodies are accented with chasing at the seams or mid-points of the depressions, bordered with foliate engraving. The depressions match the tips of the acanthus attachments, providing an overall effect of a graceful extension of the foliage. rarely have i seen such fine chasing. The sugar and tea pot have simply magnificent bird finials. Dating from the mid-1800's, the set is in wonderful condition. There is some wear to the gilt in spots. Usual signs of age; but nothing so pronounced as to constitute an actual flaw.
Marks: all pieces bearing the Minerve 1st Titre, .950 sterling guarantee dating from 1838. Also each piece marked on the bottom with the Martial Fray punch, active from 1849-1861. Dimensions: the pot is 8.5" tall, 8.75" long and 5" diameter; weight 505 grams. Lidded sugar: 6.5" tall, 7.5" long, 5.25" diameter; 460 grams. Cream: 6" tall, 6" long, 4" diameter; 220 grams. Combined weight 1185 grams, over 38 troy ounces!

Antique Silver
Antique Sterling Silver