ASCAS Association of Small Collectors of Antique Silver ASSOCIATION OF SMALL COLLECTORS OF ANTIQUE SILVER
ASCAS
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by Robert Massart
 
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A FRENCH SILVER MUSTARD POT

This is a sumptuous pear shaped solid silver mustard pot, made in Paris, France, last quarter 19th century.
Its beaded upper border is pierced with a row of linking scrollwork while a ribbon of horizontal lines separates the lower part realized with applied grape leaves and bouquets of roses.
The body stands on three scrolled feet and the original hand blown cobalt blue crystal liner is in perfect condition.
The domed hinged lid culminates in a corolla finial while the spoon's aperture is cut opposite to the scrolling leaf handle.
A solid silver mustard spoon accompanies the mustard pot.

Mustard pot:
height to top of finial: 84 mm.
Diameter: 46,5 mm at the receptacle and 59 mm at the bulge.
width at the handle: 76 mm.
weight of silver 54 grams and 132 grams with crystal liner in place.
hallmarks: Minerva’s head 1 (French mark of silver fineness 950/1000) (note 1) inside the lid and on the separating ribbon of the body and maker’s mark lozenge on the bottom (rubbed).

The silver spoon is a remarkable example of craftsmanship. The octagonal stem with a pointed end is divided in three different sections, each of them richly decorated. The reverse of the round bowl is decorated with leaves.

Spoon:
length: 103 mm,
weight 10 grams
width of the bowl: 13 mm
hallmarks: Minerva’s head 1 French mark of silver fineness 950/1000) and maker’s mark "HG and a gabion (note 2) in a lozenge" identifying silversmith Hénri Gabert (registered 1882) (note 3).

 
ENDNOTES
(1) The Minerva head 1 mark was introduced on 10th May 1838 for large articles sold in France. The mint mark 1 is placed near the forehead for the first standard of 950/1000. As required by the same Act the maker’s mark in a lozenge is also present.
(reference p. 199 International hallmarks on silver collected by Tardy).
(2) A gabion is a cage like structure of mesh or wire, filled with stones or rocks.
(3) Hénri Gabert, manufacturer silversmith. His workshop was located at 112, rue de Turenne, 75 Paris, France.
Guarantee nr: A9495. N° de préfecture 9840. Maker’s mark registered 10 July 1882 and cancelled 25 January 1901.
Initials "HG and a gabion" as symbol in a lozenge.
 
Robert Massart
- 2008 -