A Beautiful Antique French Silver Cuiller A Pot (or large Stew holder) Spoon by Louis Julien ANTHIAUME.
The sheer size of the piece is exceptional!
Used to serve Ragouts (stews) or Oille as they were then called the Spoon complimented the ‘Pot A Oille’ that was one of the grander pieces of silver in a wealthy family possessed.
Our piece is just beautiful, simple in design yet perfectly balanced and heavy in the hand.
It is simply lined along its length in what is called a ‘Modèle au Filet’.
The piece is in great condition.
It is just a perfect design, typical in its simplicity and purity of lines of the mid 18th century.
The piece show a small crest on the back.
We are here dealing with Poinçons Aux Fermiers Généraux – Hence marks pre dating the French Revolution.
Photo # 5: Shows the Crowned A or the Charge Mark used starting August 31st under Fermier Général Henri Clavel.
Photo # 6: Shows the outline of the Crowned P Letter used as a Poinçon de Jurande, from July 11th 1787 until November 11th 1788
Photo # 7: Shows the head of an eagle used Discharge Mark used in 1786 as well as another Mark showing and winged insect which is a countermark used until 1789.
Hence the piece was started around 1786 and finished by early 1789.
Photo # 8: Shows the Makers Mark for Louis Julien ANTHIAUME who registered his mark in Paris on September 6th 1779.
His Mark shows his initials topped by a crowned Fleur de Lys, with a Royal Wand underneath.
He was the son of Jacques Anthiaume who taught him his skills.