Elegant Silver And Crystal Drageoir By EA Courtois~Sold~

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

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 with floral scrolls showing lovely details and refinement.
The ‘Frétel’ (or finial) showcases acanthus leaves holding a pearl crown.
The pedestal is square resting on four round pearls of silver and connects to the main body by a wreath of laurel leaves.

The lid carries a coat of Arms showing Two facing Lions under a Cyprus tree, beneath a Count’s Crown. We are wroking on identifying the family it belonged to…
The bowl insert is white crystal with light ‘facettes’, it is original and in perfect shape with no chips or dents.
The piece is absolutely flawless!! It is gorgeous!

THe Hallmark is Minerva 1st title (950/1000) for Paris -1838-1919.

This elegant piece was created by Maitre Orfèvre Etienne August COURTOIS.
The 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 on January 8th 1834, and cancelled his mark on January 5th 1847. His offices were located 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: 9.8"W: 5.7 / L 8.7"D: 3.2"Reference number: D-117