Gorgeous Antique French Gilt Silver Drageoir By D Garreau

Gorgeous Antique French Gilt Silver Drageoir By Denis Garreau

They were know as either ‘Drageoir’ or ‘Confiturier’ but the only official name was a ‘Confiturier’ (Hence a Jam container), and originally, they were only thought of and used as Ceremonial Sugar Bowls.
This beautiful Vermeil (18 carat gilded silver) Drageoir is by ‘Maitre Orfèvre’ Denis Garreau who took over from another well known ‘Maitre Orfèvre’ Ambroise Mignerot.
The body is Baluster shaped with large Palm fronds decorating its surface for a total of 8 figural ‘Tableaux’. The Handles are decorated with palm designs and rosettes and are particularly beautiful with the top part finished by a lovely nesting pair of doves. The lower fringe of the piece shows geometric designs. The ‘Frétel’ (or finial) is exquisite in the form of a Swan stretching his wings and resting on a base of acanthus leaves.

The pedestal is square resting on four round pearls of silver topped by a palmetto design.
The stem part of the pedestal is decorated the same gorgeous palmettos.
The bowl insert is white crystal with facettes, it is original and intact.

The Hallmark is ‘Tête De Vieillard’ (otherwise called Michael Ange) -1st title (950/1000)- 1819 -1838 – Paris

We identified the Makers Mark as that of D GARREAU. It shows a D and s G topped by a ‘Navette’ (or boat)
Garreau was the successor of Ambroise MIGNEROT and specialized in larger decoration pieces, particularly “Drageoir’s” and Oil and Vinegar Cruet stands.
His mark was registered in 1817. His offices were located at 62 Rue du Temple in what is today the Marais area of Paris.

H: 10.82"W: 5.01 /L7.67"D: 4.72"Reference number: D-164