ASCAS Association of Small Collectors of Antique Silver
ASSOCIATION OF SMALL COLLECTORS OF ANTIQUE SILVER
ASCAS
Members' Window # 99
home
SITE MAP
by Dr. David N. Nikogosyan
(click on photos to enlarge image)

MARKS OF EUROPEAN SILVER PLATE:
XII. FRAGET, RUSSIA/POLAND

(Revised & Updated Version of Members' Window # 57)

Three years ago I published a Members' Window in ASCAS newsletter devoted to the Warsaw silver plate factories Fraget and Norblin [1]. This study was unexpectedly well appreciated by the readers; I got more than fifty letters. Most of them were not from Polish or Russian audience, they came from the people, whose grandparents or great grandparents at the beginning of the XXth century left the Russian Empire in the hope of finding a better life on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. As a memory of their previous life, these immigrants often took with them a small inexpensive silver-plated piece, something like a tea-glass holder, a pair of candlesticks or sugar tongs. Now their grandchildren or great grandchildren write to me to know more about these memorabilia, where they were coming from and when they were produced.

It's interesting and a little bit strange, but in the beginning of the XIXth century, just after the Russian victory in the war with Napoleon, the situation was quite the opposite, there was a great flow of immigrants from Europe to Russia. Among the numerous craftsmen, teachers, governesses, scientists, engineers, etc. coming to Russia, there were a small number of talented jewellers, who moved from France and Germany to Warsaw, capital of the newly-annexed (1815) Polish Kingdom, to organize the production of silver-plated tableware. The Russian government was giving significant privileges to these new factory-owners in the Polish Kingdom, including the possibility of tax-free trade throughout the Russia. Besides, as Warsaw was not too distant from the main European centres of silver-plate production, this facilitated the purchase of equipment, raw materials and/or getting the necessary information. As a result, in 1850-1860, the first Russian factories producing inexpensive silver-plated tableware by cutting-edge electrolysis technology were built there. By the end of the XIXth century practically all Russian manufacturing of silver-plated tableware and utensils was concentrated in Warsaw.

It should be reminded that before 1850 in Russia all silver-plated objects were produced by soldering of a thin sheet of silver to a red-heated copper plate with subsequent rolling [2,3]. Such copper base with a fused silver layer was called "SILVER PLATE" or simply "PLATE" ("PLAQUÉ" in French, "PLATER" in Polish). However, in the second quarter of the XIXth century a revolutionary method of silver deposition on the surface of a base metal using the electrolysis process under high voltage was invented (the first patent was given to the Elkington cousins in England in 1840) and successfully applied by Christofle in France in 1844. The great advantage of this "galvanic" approach was the possibility of a very thin silver layer deposition, which led to the economic consumption of precious metal and a significant decrease in price for the final product. To the end of the XIXth century the galvanic method of silver deposition practically replaced the former soldering-based silver plating technique. Nevertheless, until now in Polish and English literature the confusion remains, the Polish term "PLATER" and the English term "PLATE" refer simultaneously to both, old (fusion-based) and new (galvanic) silver deposition techniques.

This article is devoted to the famous Warsaw jewellery company Józef Fraget, renowned pioneer in galvanic silver plate production. The firm was founded in 1824 by two French businessmen, the brothers Alphonse (in Polish Alfons) and Joseph (in Polish Józef, 1797-1867) Fraget [4,5,6]. Around 1845 Alphonse Fraget left the business and returned to France while Joseph became the sole owner of the firm, which survived until 1939 under the name Józef Fraget (in Polish), or Józef Fraget in Cyrillic characters (in Russian). In 1836 Joseph married the daughter of the Berlin jeweller Amalia Steffen (1805-1868). In 1847 he was travelling throughout Europe and studying the newest technology of galvanic silver deposition on copper and brass used by Christofle & Co. in Paris, France. After his return to Warsaw, in 1849 he totally refurbished the factory, adding a smelting department for the preparation of Neusilber (Alpaca) alloy and a laboratory for galvanic studies. Somewhat later, in 1857, he purchased in Austria-Hungary a unique machine for the mass production of Neusilber-based cutlery, 150 dozens per day. The number of workers employed by the factory quickly grew from 150 in 1847 to 240 in 1859 and 400 in 1900. Soon the inexpensive silver plate production of his company became so popular in Russian Empire that all the silver-plated items were named simply by "fraget".

In 1867 Józef Fraget died and his son Julian Fraget (1841-1906) became the manager of the company. In 1868 Julian married a Polish girl of French origin, Antonina de Sauve (1850-1925). In 1896 the firm Józef Fraget participated in the All-Russia Trade Fair in Nizhnii Novgorod and deservedly was honoured by the right of using the image of the Russian State Coat of Arms (two-headed eagle) on its products. In 1897 the firm was transformed into a joint-stock company "Fabryka Wyrobów Platerowanych Józef Fraget", which in translation means "Silver Plate Factory Józef Fraget". After the tragic death of Julian Fraget in 1906, the guidance of the company was taken by his daughter, countess Maria Swiatopelk-Mirska (1841-1938).

After the death of Maria, her son Józef Swiatopelk-Mirski became the last manager of the firm. In 1939 with the occupation of Poland by the Nazis, the firm Fraget stopped its production. After World War II, in 1945, the factory was reopened, but then nationalized. Finally, in 1965 Fraget was merged with another Warsaw silver plate foundry, Brothers Henneberg, to form a new state company "HEFRA".

After this long introduction, I am presenting an updated list of the hollow ware marks used by Józef Fraget firm.

Marks used by Józef Fraget factory.
N°
PERIOD & MARK
COMMENT
1


















































 
 c.1840 - c.1851
 Fraget mark c.1840 - c.1851
Fraget mark c.1840 - c.1851
Fraget mark c.1840 - c.1851
Fraget mark c.1840 - c.1851

The earliest mark of Fraget at my disposal. It refers to fusion-based silver deposition. It has the inscription in Polish "WARSZAWA FRAGET" ("WARSAW FRAGET") + the year of production inside the oval. Under the oval is the French inscription "1 QTÉ" (shortening of 1 QUALITÉ, which means "highest quality"). Small changes in writing of "1 QTE" inscription from year to year should be emphasized. Rare.












































 
2












 
 c.1851 - c.1853
 Fraget mark c.1851 - c.1853

This Fraget mark also refers to fusion-based silver deposition. It has the inscription in Polish "WARSZAWA FRAGET" ("WARSAW FRAGET") + one French word "PLAQUÉ" inside the oval. Note the dot (!) after the word "PLAQUÉ". Very rare.









 
3


















 
 c.1851 - c.1853
 Fraget mark c.1851 - c.1853

First Fraget mark which refers to galvanic-based silver deposition.
It has the inscription in Polish "WARSZAWA FRAGET" ("WARSAW FRAGET") + one French word "PLAQUÉ" put inside the oval. Note the dot (!) after the word "PLAQUÉ". In addition, the rhombus with "N" letter, which means "normal thickness of silver deposited onto the surface of the base metal (usually on brass)". In the case of double silver layer, the letter "D" was used. Very rare.












 
4















 
 c.1853 - c.1860
 Fraget mark c.1853 - c.1860

A variation of the mark No.2 with long writing of the word "FRAGET". Refers to fusion-based silver deposition. It has the inscription in Polish "WARSZAWA FRAGET" ("WARSAW FRAGET") + French word "PLAQUÉ" inside the oval. Note the absence of the dot (!) after the word "PLAQUÉ". Very rare.











 
5















 
 c.1853 - c.1860
 Fraget mark c.1853 - c.1860

A variation of the mark No.3 with long writing of the word “FRAGET”. Refers to galvanic-based silver deposition. It consists of the inscription in Polish "WARSZAWA FRAGET" ("WARSAW FRAGET") + French word "PLAQUÉ" put inside the oval. Note the absence of the dot (!) after the word "PLAQUÉ". The size of the oval varies between 7.6 mm x 10.5 mm and 8.0 mm x 10.7 mm. In addition, the rhombus with "N" letter is used, which means "normal thickness of silver deposited onto the surface of the base metal (usually on brass)". Rare.







 
6































 
 c.1860 - c.1896
 Fraget mark c.1860 - c.1896 Fraget mark c.1860 - c.1896 Fraget mark c.1860 - c.1896

This Fraget mark refers to fusion-based silver deposition. It has the inscription in Polish "FRAGET W WARSZAWIE" ("FRAGET IN WARSAW"), put inside the oval. Near the oval is another Polish inscription "PLATER" ("PLATE"), put in a cartouche. Inside the small oval is the coat of arms of the coppersmiths’ and bronze-smiths' corporation (two crossed hammers with a pair of compasses). Sometimes this sign is given twice. Rare.

























 
7



















































 
 c.1860 - c.1896
 Fraget mark c.1860 - c.1896 Fraget mark c.1860 - c.1896 Fraget mark c.1860 - c.1896 Fraget mark c.1860 - c.1896

This Fraget mark refers to galvanic-based silver deposition. It has the inscription in Polish "FRAGET W WARSZAWIE ("FRAGET IN WARSAW") inside the oval. The size of the oval varies between 7.5 mm x 9.9 mm and 8.0 mm x 10.4 mm. The rhombus (or the small oval) with "N" letter means "normal thickness of silver deposited onto the surface of the base metal usually on brass)". The inscription "GALW" in a cartouche is the shortening of Polish word "GALWANIZACJA" ("GALVANIZATION"), explaining the method of silver deposition. Note the colon at the end of the inscription "GALW". Inside the small oval is the coat of arms of the coppersmiths' and bronze-smiths' corporation (two crossed hammers with a pair of compasses). Sometimes this sign is given twice. A widespread mark.







































 
8



































 
 c.1896
 Fraget mark c.1896 Fraget mark c.1896
Fraget mark c.1896

This Fraget mark is the mark No.6, over-printed with the coat of arms of Russian Empire (two-headed eagle). It is very rare, which testifies to a total disappearance of the fusion-based silver plate Fraget production by the 1896.
































 
9





































 
 c.1896
 Fraget mark c.1896 Fraget mark c.1896
Fraget mark c.1896

This Fraget mark is the mark No.7, over-printed with the coat of arms of Russian Empire (two-headed eagle). The size of the large oval varies between 7.1 mm x 9.4 mm and 7.4 mm x 10.3 mm. Rare.



































 
10

















































 
 c.1896 - c.1914
 Fraget mark c.1896 - c.1914 Fraget mark c.1896 - c.1914 Fraget mark c.1896 - c.1914

A widespread Fraget mark for marking the hollow ware made by galvanic silver deposition. It consists of the inscription "FRAGET PLAQUE" ("FRAGET PLATE") inside the oval. The letter "N" in the centre of the oval means "silver deposition onto the brass surface". The size of the oval varies between 5.2 mm x 7.9 mm and 7.3 mm x 10.5 mm. Above the oval is the coat of arms of Russian Empire - the two-headed eagle. Inside the small oval is the coat of arms of the coppersmiths' and bronze-smiths' corporation (two crossed hammers with a pair of compasses).









































 
11













































 
 c.1896 - c.1914
 Fraget mark c.1896 - c.1914 Fraget mark c.1896 - c.1914 Fraget mark c.1896 - c.1914

Rare Fraget mark for marking the hollow ware made by galvanic silver deposition. It consists of the inscription "FRAGET PLAQUE" ("FRAGET PLATE") inside the oval. The lettering "MB" in the centre of the oval is the abbreviation for the French inscription "METAL BLANC" ("white metal" or Alpaca). That means "silver deposition onto the surface of Alpaca base metal". The size of the oval varies between 6.2 mm x 8.2 mm and 6.5 mm x 8.5 mm. Above the oval is the coat of arms of Russian Empire - the two-headed eagle. Inside the small oval is the coat of arms of the coppersmiths' and bronze-smiths' corporation (two crossed hammers with a pair of compasses).



































 
12





































 
 c.1896 - c.1914
 Fraget mark c.1896 - c.1914 Fraget mark c.1896 - c.1914 Fraget mark c.1896 - c.1914

A very rare Fraget mark for marking the hollow ware made by fusion-based silver deposition onto the copper surface. It consists of the inscription "FRAGET PLAQUE" ("FRAGET PLATE"), put inside the oval. Above the oval is the coat of arms of Russian Empire - the two-headed eagle. Inside the small oval is the coat of arms of the coppersmiths' and bronze-smiths' corporation (two crossed hammers with a pair of compasses). Sometimes this sign is given twice.






























 
13

































 
 After 1914
 Fraget mark After 1914 Fraget mark After 1914

A variety of Fraget mark No.11 with the absence of the coat of arms of Russian Empire.
































 
14



























 
 After 1914
 Fraget mark After 1914 Fraget mark After 1914

Another later variety of Fraget mark No.11. Besides the absence of the coat of arms of Russian Empire, it contains the lettering "BM" in the centre of the oval (instead of the previous "MB" lettering). I think it is the same marking of Alpaca base metal, but made in Polish, as two letters "BM" could be the abbreviation for "BIALY METAL" ("white metal" in Polish).






















 
Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge the help of two people, Mr. Sergei Kruglov, who shared with me the photographs of Fraget marks from his collection of tea glass holders, and Dr. Jan Kozlowski, who kindly sent me the copies of two Fraget catalogues and the reprint of an earlier work of Joanna Paprocka on the same subject. My e-mail address is niko@phys.ucc.ie. Any comments, questions or letters with additional information are very welcome. However, please do not send any requests for valuation and/or expertise, such letters will be ignored.

LITERATURE

[1] David N. Nikogosyan. Marks of European Silver Plate: II. Fraget & Norblin, Poland/Russia. http://www.silvercollection.it/ASCASFRAGET.html, 2009.

[2] Svetlana Kaikova. Silver Replacement Techniques in Russia. Antiques, Art and Collectables, N°1, pp.65-78 (2002) [in Russian].

[3] Elena Elkova. "Plaqué" and "Doublé" Techniques in French Silver Plate Production. Antiques, Art and Collectables, N°4 (46), pp.76-84 (2007) [in Russian].

[4] Joanna Paprocka, Srebra i Platery Firmy Józef Fraget. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 1992, pp.1-97 [in Polish]. English translation: Joanna Paprocka, Silver and Silver-Plated Items Produced by Józef Fraget Company.

[5] Joanna Paprocka-Gajek. Platery Warszawskie w Latach 1822-1914. Warszawa: Muzeum Palac w Wilanowie, 2010, pp.1-375 [in Polish]. English translation: Silver Plated Items produced by Warsaw factories in 1822-1914.

[6] Maria Ejchmann. Platery. Katalog Zbioru Platerów Warszawskich im. Anieli i Tadeusza Wysiadeckich. Warszawa: Muzeum Woli, 2005, pp. 1-107 [in Polish]. English translation: Warsaw Silver Plate. Catalogue of the collection, gathered by Aniela and Tadeusz Wysiadecki.
Dr. David N. Nikogosyan
- 2012 -