Antique French Napoleon III era sterling silver teapot, circa 1838-1865. This charming and substantial teapot features a lovely pumpkin or melon shaped body. Monogrammed with interlaced initials BV in elegant script. A solid sterling silver floral & foliate finial graces the lid.
Richly decorated with heavy florals along the ornate handle and graceful spout. At the top of the handle is a fierce head of a lion, or mythological beast, framed by scrolling acanthus. Resting on a footed pedestal base, finely casted and chased to resemble branch vines dotted with berries and leaves.
Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark used from 1838, which depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her denoting content of 950/1000 (of 95% pure silver and a higher finesse than .925 sterling). Maker's mark for silversmith Louis Manaut, active 1829 - 1865 at 16 Place Dauphine, Paris. Measures 10" across from handle to spout, stands 6 7/8" tall x 7" wide. Weighs 802.5 grams. In overall good antique condition for age and type
Richly decorated with heavy florals along the ornate handle and graceful spout. At the top of the handle is a fierce head of a lion, or mythological beast, framed by scrolling acanthus. Resting on a footed pedestal base, finely casted and chased to resemble branch vines dotted with berries and leaves.
Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark used from 1838, which depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her denoting content of 950/1000 (of 95% pure silver and a higher finesse than .925 sterling). Maker's mark for silversmith Louis Manaut, active 1829 - 1865 at 16 Place Dauphine, Paris. Measures 10" across from handle to spout, stands 6 7/8" tall x 7" wide. Weighs 802.5 grams. In overall good antique condition for age and type