Lovely French Vermeil Bonbons Service Set By Emile Puiforcat

A Charming Six pieces Bonbons Service Set by Maître Orfèvre Emile Puiforcat

Though called a Bonbon Service Set, they were more considered as dessert service sets and could come with several different implements.
They became one of the gifts of preference for a wedding and were rarely composed of more then 4 pieces, hence the fact that the 8 pieces set we have here is particular!
One could choose between different implements on offer ranging from several types of spoons to sugar tongs and pie or candy servers.

Our lovely set by Puiforcat sports ‘Manche à La Russe’ or Russian style handles, which was rather rare on these pieces. The handles start by being square and end up with a rounded spike in the shape of an acanthus bus. All sides are lightly carved.
The Set 4 pieces that are repeated.
The loveliest part is the work on the spoons bodies which are hand etched or Guilloché.

Starting by looking at the full picture of the implements (1st picture)Then we have our Small Cake or Fondant Server (5.62 inches long) found again on the other side of the case, which measures 5.11 inches long
Then we have the candied cherry or candied fruits fork , found once more at the opposite spot in the display box (4.33 inches long).
Third from the left comes a Bonbons spoon (4.92 inches long).
The fourth piece is are Sugar tongs (3.54 inches long) which can found right next to the same implement.

All pieces are in great state! No marks or losses to the silver. All are in solid silver with a 24 carat gold wash. The work on them is just exquisite!
They come in their original display box.

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.

France 19th Century c.Reference number: SST-365