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

Louis XVI style silver oil and vinegar set, Paris, France, 1787

Exceptional and museum-quality silver oil and vinegar 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 decorated with classical acanthus leaf motifs and garlands . The whole rests on four elegantly designed feet , which gives the object a stately and architectural appearance.

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

The silverwork is very finely crafted and engraved, demonstrating high-quality craftsmanship. It bears the master's mark CFV of silversmith Claude-Francois Varmé, who worked from 1756 to 1789. It is also hallmarked with the Contremarque (Poinçon de Recense) , a tax stamp applied upon a change of tax collector ( fermier général ) to re-register previously marked silver, the date letter P for 1787, and the Paris city hallmark.

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

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

Specifications

• Object: oil and vinegar set
• Style: Louis XVI
• Origin: France
• Dating: ca. 1786–1789
• Material: silver and crystal
• Master Claude-Francois Varmé
• Hallmarks: Contremarque (Poinçon de Recense), date letter and city hallmark 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 content 950/1000
• Total weight: 1358 grams
• Dimensions: approx. 27 × 27 cm
• Condition: one carafe with crack

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