An Exquisite Antique French Silver And Vermeil ‘Bonbons’ (Candy) Service Set by Pierre François QUEILLE in the Directory Style.
Though called a Bonbons Service Set, these pieces were more considered as dessert service sets and could come with several different implements.
This complete set is in its original box, which is in excellent condition.
The pieces are etched in the Directory style with a beautiful design on the handles showcasing a laurel leaf wreath and a tiny Tulip chute.
The Upper part of the handle is decorated in a design often found on Directory pieces: showing a ‘Faisceau de Licteur’ or ‘Consuls Fasces’ and a Torch tied by a ribbon.
The loveliest part is the work on the spoons and forks bodies which are carved out with Tulip Chutes and floral scrolls.
Starting by looking at the full picture of the implements, on the left hand side we have delicate Sugar tongs measuring 4.7 inches long.
The second implement is a ‘Bonbons’ Spoon or Candy Spoon, showcasing again the delicate ‘repercé’ work on the body of the spoon; it is 5.3 inches long.
The third implement is a Fondant Spoon; Fondants were a kind of light melting candy; it measures 4.8 inches.
The last implement is a Candied Fruit fork, which stands 5 inches long.
All pieces are in great state! The ‘Vermeil’ is intact.
The Hallmark is Minerva 1-1st title – 1838 -1911 – Paris
The Makers Mark is for Pierre François QUEILLE. His mark was registered on October 23rd 1834. The Makers Mark showed a P and a Q separated by an Antique Oar.
He started a dynasty of Master Silversmiths in 1834 and stayed in business from 1834, to the 27th of November 1846 (Date his mark was cancelled) ,
Pierre François QUEILLE had his worshop at 70 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre in Paris’.
He left over his practice to his son Eugene QUEILLE who moved shop to ‘8 Rue Saint Roch Poissonière’. He started work on February 11th 1847.
He then in turn left over his practice to his son: Pierre François QUEILLE who was named after his grandfather.
They moved their practice in 1874 to ’11 Rue des Petits Carreaux in Paris’.
Their production was sold by other Master Silvermiths as well, and they collaborated with several bigger names as the House of ODIOT and the House of FROMENT MEURICE!
Their House stopped production in 1930.