Elegant Antique French Silver Confiturier By Garreau~Sold~

Elegant Antique French Silver and Crystal Confiturier by ‘Maitre Orfèvre’ Denis GARREAU.

Though the term ‘Confiturier’ literally means Jam Holder, it appears that originally it was mostly used as a ceremonial sugar bowl.
It is nowadays extremely rare to find “Confiturier” still showcasing intact spoon holders, as well as their spoons, hence the importance of this piece!

Let us start by the upper part:
The cover or lid is slightly dome shaped and circled by a geometric design delicately etched on the sides.
The ‘Frétel’ or Finial is lovely showing a gerbera flower with delicate petals of silver.

The Confiturier’s main part is shaped as a Medicis Vase.
The upper register of the vase is lined with a circle of solid silver decorated on its edge by little rosettes. It also features twelve solid silver spoon holders stretching out along its rim.
The handles consist of two delicately decorated snake heads, sprouting out of acanthus leaves. Here again the details on the snakes heads is lovely!
The Main register of the Medicis Vase is decorated by eight palm fronds.

A second circle of silver is attached to the lower part of the handles and is decorated with laurel leaves; it enables the spoons to stay in place…

The square base rests on four solid silver pearls.….
The insert is clear solid crystal,and in perfect condition.

This is just a wonderful work of art!
It can also be put to use as a Beautiful Caviar Serving Bowl!! A gorgeous way to use it as a matter of fact!

The Hallmark is ‘Poinçon Au Vieillard’ -1st title -1819-1838- Paris

The Makers Mark for the Confiturier is that of Denis GARREAU. It shows a D and a G topped by a ‘Navette’ (or boat)
GARREAU was the successor of Ambroise MIGNEROT and specialized in larger decorational pieces (called in French ‘Pièces De Forme’), particularly ‘Drageoir’ and ‘Confiturier’. His mark was created in 1817. His offices were located at 62 Rue du Temple, in what is today the Marais area of Paris.

H: 11.4"W: 6.29 / L9.84"D: 5.11"Reference number: D-135