Gorgeous Antique Silver And Crystal Drageoir By Courtois~Sold~

Gorgeous Antique French Silver and Crystal ‘Drageoir’ or ‘Confiturier’ by Etienne August COURTOIS.
In France we call them ‘Drageoir’ or ‘Confiturier’, but the only official name is a ‘Confiturier’ (Hence a Jam container), yet it turns out that originally they were only thought of, and used, as Ceremonial Sugar Bowls.

The body of this ‘Drageoir’ is Medicis Vase shaped with beautifully detailed large Palm Fronds decorating its surface for a total of eight figural ‘Tableaux’.
The handles are another highlight of the piece ending in a charming birds nest with two tiny doves stretching their wings. lionesses’ heads connect to the rim by resting on a bundle of grapes. The handles are also engraved with acanthus leaves.
The ‘Frétel’ (or finial) is exquisite in the form of a Swan stretching his wings and resting on a base of acanthus leaves.

The pedestal is square, resting on four round pearls of silver and it connects to the main body by a wreath of laurel leaves.
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 ‘Tête De Veillard’ (or Michael Angelo Hallmark) -1st title (950/1000) – 1819-1838 – Paris

This lovely piece was created by Maitre Orfèvre Etienne Auguste 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 in 1834, and worked 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.
He was the successor or Denis GARREAU.

H: 11.5"W: 5.31 / L 7.79"D: 5.11"Reference number: D-133