Delicate Antique Silver Selfish Coffee Pot By TM Bary~Sold~

A Delicate Antique French Silver Selfish Coffee Pot by Thomas Michel BARY dating from the later part of the 18th century.

This coffee pot is called ‘Egoïste’ in French as it holds roughly 3 Espressos or 2 larger coffees but no more! Hence the connotation of Selfish!

The work on this piece is the perfect transcription of the expression ‘Less is More’
The Coffee pot is beautifully polished and delicately baluster shaped, with a charming clean cut duck bill for a spout.
The lower part of the spout is simply decorated with ‘Amati’ grooves or Cannelures in French.
The main body stands on three little feet
The lid is rounded and topped by a spinning top, while the edge of the lid is beautifully carved out with a pearl and crossed ribbon relief.
The handle is in carved mahogany, and can be removed for cleaning.

The centre of the pot is decorated with a tiny Crest representing what seems to be the Head of an Indian Chief, with a name unfortunately erased by time underneath it.
The beauty lies in the lovely, lightly rounded balance, and the perfect size of the piece.
No dents – no marks – just perfection.

The Hallmark is ‘Poinçon Au 1er Coq’ (1st Rooster) -1st title (950/1000)- 1798-1809 – Paris

The Makers Mark is for Thomas Michel BARY who registered his mark in 1798 and again in 1799.
He specialized in ‘Pieces de forme’ or larger pieces.
It show his three initials topped by a Mill rind.
His shops were located first at 11 rue de la Fromagerie, then 11 Place de la Pointe St Eustache in Paris.

H: 7.24"D: 5.7"Reference number: SH-186