Silver oil and vinegar set, CF Varmé, Paris, France, 1787

Exceptional and museum-quality silver oil and vinegar cruet set in refined Louis XVI style, dating from the late 18th century. This monumental ensemble consists of a richly decorated silver holder, crowned with an urn-shaped spice compartment. The holder is adorned with classical acanthus leaf motifs and garlands. The whole rests on four elegantly designed feet, giving the object a stately and architectural appearance.

The set is complete with the two original crystal decanters, fitted with silver stoppers attached to the holder by means of chains. When in use, the stoppers can be neatly placed in designated holders, a typical functional and decorative element from the late 18th century.

The silverwork is very finely crafted and engraved, testifying to high-quality craftsmanship. The object bears the master's mark CFV of the silversmith Claude-Francois Varmé, active from 1756 to 1789. In addition, the piece is hallmarked with the Contremarque (Poinçon de Recense), a tax stamp applied when there was a change of tax farmer (fermier général) to re-register previously marked silver, year letter P for 1787, and the city mark of Paris.

The silver weight is an impressive 934 grams, with a total weight of 1358 grams including the crystal decanters. The generous dimensions of 27 × 27 cm underscore the representative and ceremonial character of this object.

⚠️ Condition note: one of the crystal decanters has a crack, consistent with its age and use; this does not detract from the museum value of the silverwork.

Specifications

• Object: oil and vinegar cruet set
• Style: Louis XVI
• Origin: France
• Dating: ca. 1786–1789
• Material: silver and crystal
• Master: Claude-Francois Varmé
• Hallmarks: Contremarque (Poinçon de Recense), year letter and city mark of Paris
• Construction: holder with urn-shaped compartment, 4 feet
• Decanters: 2 original crystal decanters with silver stoppers and chains
• Silver weight: 934 grams, silver purity 950/1000
• Total weight: 1358 grams
• Dimensions: approx. 27 × 27 cm
• Condition: one decanter with a crack

A true masterpiece of 18th-century French silversmithing, exceptionally suitable for museum collections, top collectors, and lovers of high-quality Louis XVI silver.