A very fine French Regency style sterlings silver coffee-pot by Cardeilhac, richly decorated with Bérain inspired chased borders and strapwork motifs on a textured ground, a striking Mascaron spout, and carved ebony scroll handle set in a magnificent acanthus and floral mount. Masterly crafted from the highest quality silver, it is stamped on body, lid and mount with the French Minerve 1st standard mark (.950), and carries the maker's mark for renowned Parisian silversmith Ernest Cardeilhac, active from 1885 to 1904. 

Paris, date circa 1890

Height 18 cm

Founded in 1804 by Antoine-Vital Cardeilhac, the House of Cardeilhac was handed down during the century from father to son, and were renowned for their rich and finely executed ornamentation and chasing. They exhibited at national and international exhibitions, receiving many awards, and were ultimately honoured with a Gold Medal at the 1878 World Trade Fair (Exposition Universelle). Ernest Cardeilhac, grandson of Antoine-Vital, exhibited gold and silver pieces created in collaboration with famed designer Lucien Bonvallet at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, and was also president of the jury for the cutlery section at this fair. Many examples of the work of Ernest Cardeilhac are on display at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The House of Cardeilhac was acquired by Christofle in 1951.