Beautiful Antique French Silver ‘Drageoir’ By EA Courtois~Sold~

Lovely Antique French Silver ‘Drageoir’ or ‘Confiturier’ by ‘Maitre Orfèvre’ Etienne Auguste COURTOIS.
The only official name for these pieces being really a ‘Confiturier’ (Hence a Jam container), we only use the other terms because it is now more currently used.
As a side note we can also confirm they were only thought of and used as Ceremonial Sugar Bowls.

The body of the ‘Drageoir’ is bowl shaped with large Palm Fronds decorating its surface for a total of eight figural ‘Tableaux’.
The handles are another highlight of the piece ending in a Lioness head that carry incredible details and refinement. The lionesses’ heads connect to the rim by resting on a bundle of grapes. The handles are also engraved with vines and grapes as well as acanthus leaves.
The ‘Frétel’ (or finial) showcases acanthus leaves holding a pearl crown.
The Pedestal or ‘Piédouche’ is square, resting on four round pearls of silver and connects to the main body by a wreath of laurel leaves.
The bowl insert is white crystal with light ‘facettes’, it is original to the piece and in perfect shape with no chips or dents.
The piece is absolutely flawless!! It is gorgeous!

The Hallmark is ‘Tête De Veillard’ (or Michael Ange) -1st title – Hence 1819 -1838 – Paris

This lovely piece was created by Maitre Orfèvre Etienne August COURTOIS.
The Makers Mark shows the letters A C topped by a boat or ‘Navette’ in French with one dot underneath the letters. He was received as Maitre Orfèvre in 1834, and held shop at 62 Rue Du Temple in Paris in what is now known as the Marais area.
He specialized in the ‘Partie de Table’ which means the more important pieces for table decoration.

H: 10"W: 7.6 / 5.2"D: 3.5"Reference number: D-106