Lovely Antique Silver Presentation Plate By Puiforcat~Sold~

A Lovely Antique French Silver ‘Compote’ presentation dish by ‘Maître Orfèvre’ Emile PUIFORCAT.

The border of the silver dish is worked into 2 different style, one showing a seashell and rosette, the other a flowing ribbon and laurel garlands.
Typical of the Louis XVI Style it is ideal to present cookies or fruits or tea sandwiches…

This charming presentation plate stands on a round pedestal.
It can be used as originally intended for compote, or to present fruits, or even pastries.

The Hallmark is Minerve 1 -1st title – Hence 1838 to 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: 2.16"W: 9.05"Reference number: SH-241