Lovely Antique Silver Swan Decorated Drageoir by LJ Thomas~Sold~

In France we call them ‘Drageoir’ or ‘Confiturier’, but the only official name is a ‘Confiturier’ (Hence a Jam container), and originally they were mostly thought of and used as Covered Sugar Bowls.
This particular piece is attributed to ‘Maitre Orfèvre’ Louis Joseph THOMAS in Paris.
Known for his exquisite work, his pieces are amazingly ornate; this is the second piece we have had in our collection.

The body has 2 main figural ‘Tableaux’ showing a large Medicis Shaped Vase flanked by two garland holding swans, with their feet’s resting on floral garlands.
The vase itself is surrounded by floral garlands and has flowers as well as grapes and apples flowing from its top.
The two secondary ‘tableaux’ are on the side of the ‘Drageoir’ and show a silver disc decorated with vines and rosettes which is held aloft by the outstretched wings of a swan.
The handles themselves are exquisite, showcasing Cornucopias’ with the edge ending in delicate ram’s heads feasting on the fruits.
The top of the bowl is lined by silver pearls while the rim is decorated with laurel leaves.
The ‘Frétel’ (or Finial) is a wreath of entwined acanthus leaves. The bottom of the ‘Piedouche’ (or pedestal) ends in a wreath of laurel leaves and is resting on a square platform decorated by vine leaves and grapes. The platform itself rests on four silver pearls.
The bowl insert is white crystal with ‘facettes’, it is original and intact!

The length given above is taken at the handles.

The Hallmark is ‘Poinçon Au Vieillard’ or Michel Angelo Hallmark-1st title – Hence 1819 -1838– Paris
This lovely piece has had a small repair on one of the swans in later years (it shows on the pictures) as we also see a Minerva Mark dating to 1838/1919.

Louis Joseph THOMAS’s Makers Mark shows ‘L.J’ with a T underneath and a Wreath on top of the letters’. He was received Master, and registered his mark in 1797.

H: 9.1"W: 4707.1"D: 4.5"Reference number: D-107