Large antique French sterling silver gold vermeil articulated sugar tongs in the highly sought after LOUVECIENNES pattern. First created under the reign of Louis XVI in 1781 by Odiot, this ornate pattern ‘Louveciennes’ is decorated with a garland of laurel leaves. Terminating to fierce lion claw tips. Hinged at the back. In overall good antique condition. Intricate engraved monogram of initials GDR or RDG. Measures 6 1/2" length. Weighs 128.5 grams. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, which depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her to denote a silver content of 950/1000 (of 95% silver and a higher finesse than .925 sterling). Bearing maker's marks for Gustave Odiot.
Founded in 1690, the prestigious House of Odiot is probably the most renowned French silver dynasty. Gustave Odiot succeeded his father Charles-Nicolas in 1865, and he received the largest order ever placed with the House of Odiot - 3,000 pieces of solid gold flatware for Saïd Pacha, the Viceroy of Egypt, and was purveyor by appointment to the court of His Imperial Majesty the Tsar. He was the last member of the Odiot family to direct the company.