1760s French Silver Miniature Creamer Repousse Floral Design
Description: A beautiful antique silver miniature creamer or pitcher. The creamer has a spout and an applied undecorated handle. The body of the creamer has a beautiful repousse design of large flowers with leaves and surrounded by large symmetrical ear like shapes. On the corners below and above the main repousse design there are flower sprigs that are flat chased rather than being repousse style. A piece of exquisite workmanship. The bottom of the creamer is marked with a double fleurs-de-lis, a walking bird facing left and part of a maker's mark "?oI" in a square.
Date: 1760s
Origin: France , the walking bird is the 1768 to 1774 discharge mark of Beauvais (see S. Wyler Book of Old Silver; Crown Publishers, IN NY; 1973; page 338)
Size: Base is 1 1/4" diameter, top is 1 5/8" diameter, it is 3 1/4" at its widest point including the spout and handle, and it is 2 1/8" at its highest point at the top of the handle. The piece weighs 48.4 grams.
Maker: Unknown, but maker's mark indicated “?oI.”
Marks: Stamped with double ended Fleur-de-lis, a walking bird facing left, and three letters in a square "?oI".
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is definitely a beautiful antique silver miniature with superb workmanship and a beautiful design.
Condition: Creamer is in great condition given its age. The piece has no breaks, repairs, dings or cracks. It does have scratches and general wear commensurate with its age. It could use a good cleaning. In Closing: Definitely a quality piece worthy of a prominent spot in your old silver collection.
