Charming Silver And Crystal Appetizers Serving Set By P Devaux

Charming Antique French Silver and Crystal Appetizers Serving Set by ‘Maître Orfèvre’ Paul DEVAUX
Quite rare to come by these objects became more common during the 1880/1890.
Housing 2 to 8 side dishes they were used to display the appetizers on the lounge table during ‘Apéritif’ time!
The French nicknamed it a ‘Serviteur’ or waiter.

This charming piece has a main dish made of crystal circled by a silver wreath overlaid with 18 carat gold, which is still intact, other wise called ‘Vermeil’ in French.
The border is worked with a delicate laurel leaf motif, and finished with a Vermeil pearl line.
Three triangular crystal dishes rest on the larger plate and can be set separately to receive olives, pickles or other delicacies. They are carved with a star shape on the bottom and show a gold enamelled border.

Three implements complete the set: All made of Silver with a Vermeil finish, and decorated in the Louis XVI Style.
The Fork (used for pickled vegetables) and the Knife (used mostly for pâtés) show a ribboned laurel garland on the tine and the blade along with rosettes, while the Spoon (used for olives) has a floral scrolls ‘repercé’ bowl.
All three share the same decor on the handle with laurel garlands and ribbons.

There is no loss or cracks to the crystal, and the Vermeil elements are in fine shape as well, showing only very little wear to the gold on the side of the handles.

The set comes in its original presentation box, from a Silver shop in Nice, which is in great condition!

The Hallmark is Minerve 1 -1st title – Hence 1838 to 1919– Paris

The Makers Mark is for Paul DEVAUX and shows a P and a D separated by a veal’s head…a definite play of words on the Maitre Orfèvre’s last name.
His mark was registered on July 2nd 1902 and cancelled on September 2nd 1920. His shop was located 11 rue Elzévir in Paris.

Reference number: SST-152