Gorgeous Empire Style French Silver Teapot by E Puiforcat

Gorgeous Empire Style Antique French Silver Tea Pot by ‘Maitre Orfèvre’ Emile PUIFORCAT.

This beautiful piece has a lovely and elegant shape, typical of the Empire Style, that came back into favor around the 1860s.
The oval shape is very pure and unmarred by any heavy decorations leaving all the beauty to the streamed lines.
The ebony handle is softly shaped and very pure, linked to the body of the teapot by a simple silver rosette.

The lid sits flush on the upper part of the pot, only outlined by a delicate raised side and a shell like hinge.
The finial reflects the same purity showcasing a beautiful Swan stretching out its wings.
The pedestal is round and simply lined by a laurel leaf wreath.
The shape is gorgeous and the piece truly beautiful!

The Hallmark is Minerva -1st title (950/1000)- 1838-1919 – Paris

The Makers Mark is for Emile PUIFORCAT, and was registered in 1857; it features an E and a P separated by a standing feather.
The mark is still so famous it does deserve a bit more explanations:
Emile PUIFORCAT inherited the business from his uncle Jean Baptiste FUCHS who specialized in flatware in the early 1800s. Emile Puiforcat moved from the offices of his uncle right next door at number 18, then 16 of Rue Chapon. While he died in 1883, his mark was kept by his successor as well as his grandson Jean, who passed away in 1945.
Until the 1880 the House of Puiforcat remained in the flatware business, but expended into the larger pieces to include presentations plates and platters.
Though very praised for its craftsmanship PUIFORCAT never participated in the Fairs that did so much for the Silver business in the 1800. The house continued on through the years and was finally bought by Hermes in 1993.

H: 8.26"W: 5.11 / L9.03"D: 5.9"Reference number: SH-214