Antique French Sterling Silver Mustard Pot, Enamel on Copper, Gilt Vermeil

Description

Antique French mustard pot encased in ornate sterling silver mounts. Featuring exquisite sterling silver mounts comprising of foliage and rocailles … more Antique French mustard pot encased in ornate sterling silver mounts. Featuring exquisite sterling silver mounts comprising of foliage and rocailles enhanced in gilt vermeil finish. The main body comprises of enamel on copper painting of a courting couple and floral vignettes, on a reddish-brown background with gold flakes. Elaborate silver handle and hinged lid decorated with spiral fluting and floral form finial. Opening to reveal a gorgeous gold vermeil interior housing a cut glass liner insert. Silver mounts are hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, in use from 1838, which depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her denoting a silver content of .950/1000 (of 95% silver and a higher grade of finesse than the .925 standard for sterling silver). Measures 4 3/8" height x 3 1/2" length x 2 3/8" wide, weighs 211 grams without the glass insert in place. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with age and use. There is a chip in the enamel paint revealing the copper beneath, this is located on the side near the handle and partially covered by a silver foliage leaf, visible in the images. less