Lots of Silver

On March 28th Sotheby's Paris will be holding a major sale of European silver along with a collection of Art Nouveau belt buckles and Puiforcat drawings. Items range from the sublime to the curious, a selection of which are highlighted below:



A pair of 3-light silver-plated Neoclassical wall sconces, probably Swedish, circa 1780; estimate 6,000-8,000 euros



An unmarked silver-gilt Rococo flatware service comprising 12 forks and knives, each with porcelain handles made in Thuringen, Germany's primary ceramics center from the mid-18th century, circa 1770, and 12 unmarked silver-gilt spoons, also German, but probably later; estimate 4,500-5,500 euros



A large silver Rococo coffee pot of unusual spiraling form, attributed to Guillaume Dengis, Liège, 1768; estimate 25,000-35,000 euros




A silver writing nécessaire, designed to be used for travel and measuring only 13.5 cm (about 5 1/2 inches) when not in use, Paris hallmarks, circa 1750-56; estimate 2,000-3,000 euros


And the star of the show, a rare parcel-gilt Renaissance ewer, marked PH and probably made in Quimper (Brittany), circa 1580; estimate 50,000-80,000 euros:




For more information on the sale or to view the online catalogue, visit www.sothebys.com.