Lovely Antique French Silver Drageoir By Ambroise Mignerot

A Beautiful Antique French Silver and Crystal ‘Drageoir’ by ‘Maitre Orfèvre’ Ambroise MIGNEROT

In France we call them ‘Drageoir’ or ‘Confiturier’, but the only official name is a ‘Confiturier’ (Hence a Jam container), and we can confirm that originally they were only thought of, and used, as Ceremonial Sugar Bowls.

The body of this gorgeous Drageoir is Baluster shaped (or Medicis Vase Shaped) with four Figural ‘Tableaux’ showcasing Caryatides draped in classical togas.

Each register is separated from the next by a two olive branches.
The upper register of the ‘Drageoir’ is beautifully lined with a geometric fringe while the upper border shows a silver pearl border.

The pedestal is square resting on four round pearls of silver and decorated with stylized palmettos, with the lowest register shows delicately carved leaves.
The round central part of the pedestal is decorated by a laurel wreath.
The ‘Frétel’ (or finial) shows an acorn resting on a crown of stylized scrolls.

The bowl insert is white crystal it is original, and in perfect shape, no dents or marks, its lower part is etched with a star.
The piece is lovely!

A wonderful detail for the collectors: The piece is marked with what is known as a ‘Head of Greek Women’ with the letter P on the left hand side…
This is a hallmark that was used by the Silversmiths at the end of the Revolution between 1793 and 1794 in Paris, before the official system started again.

The Hallmark is ‘2ieme Coq’ -1st title (950/1000) – 1809 -1819- Paris +

The Makers Mark is that of Ambroise MIGNEROT.
Ambroise MIGNEROT’s Makers Mark shows an A and an M with a ‘nacelle’ topping the letters and a dot underneath them. His mark was created in 1800 and canceled (biffe) in 1818. His offices were first located 2 rue Jean Robert, then 62 Rue du Temple. Ambroise MIGNEROT took under his wing a young Denis Garreau that would later inherit his offices.

H: 10.23"W: 4.80 / L7.28"D: 4.72"Reference number: D-152