Gorgeous Antique French Silver Caviar Bowl By JB François

Gorgeous Antique French Silver and Crystal Caviar Bowl by Maître Orfèvre Jean Baptiste François

The ice bowl is in solid silver with a lovely Acanthus leaf motif on the sides and a garland of laurel leaves on the border of the bowl.
The raised pedestal shows the same laurel garland.
The lid reprises the acanthus motif found on the bowl and is lined with the laurel garland as well. The finial is in the shape of a closed seed resting on silver leaves and berries.
The Crystal Caviar bowl itself is removable of course and is lined on top by a silver circle engraved with the laurel leaves garland.
It is held in place aloft by a heavy silver circle that enables the user to put ice at the bottom of the silver bowl and float the crystal bowl above it.

It is quite huge in size, rare to be found and probably made to order.
It is in excellent condition!
The silver bowl has the Alliance Coat of Arms of a knight engraved.

The Hallmark is Minerva 1 for 1st title Silver (950/1000) for Paris 1838/1919

The Makers Mark (present on all pieces) is that of Maître Orfèvre Jean Baptiste François.
He registered his Mark on January 4th 1900. He had succeeded to Auguste Lahure (1886/1900) taking over his workshop at 19 rue Morand in Paris.
His reference to his predecessor can be seen on his Mark that features a Boar’s head (Hure in French).

France 20th century c.H: 9.5"W: 10.2"D: 2.75"Reference number: SH-304