A unique, museum quality, mid 1800's French Napoleon III 5-piece sterling silver tea & coffee service of extraordinary splendor, and outstanding craftsmanship. Most probably a special commission, this remarkable service not only exemplifies the true opulence of Napoleon III styling, but the exceptional artistry of its prestigious Parisian maker, Armand-Edouard CARDEILHAC, silversmith to Napoleon III.

The service features paneled bodies with meticulously detailed, chased and engraved, bas-relief floral motifs on textured ground, ornate scroll legs with large, impressively detailed, foliate mounts, and extraordinary, intricately carved, ebony handles enriched with reticulated & pierced silver appliqués and striking foliate mounts. Yet another outstanding feature is the impressively detailed mascarons, crowned with laurel wreaths, that embellish the teapot, coffee pot and creamer. The generous proportions and exquisite styling of the sugar bowl are not only exceptional, but could easily tempt one to use it as a jardinière! And both sugar bowl and creamer are vermeil gilt lined. The fifth piece of this service is the rare addition of a spout tea strainer, specifically crafted for the teapot, its sides decorated with the same glorious decor as the teapot.

Skillfully crafted from the highest quality silver, the service weighs a most impressive 2894 grams / 93 troy ozs (the teapot alone weighs over 1 kg!). Each piece is stamped with the French Minerve 950 mark and maker's mark and signature for Armand-Edouard CARDEILHAC, who commenced trading in 1851. Condition is exceptionally good with no damage nor loss. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a truly unique, highly decorative, antique tea & coffee silver service from one of the most prestigious 19th century French silversmiths, Armand-Edouard Cardeilhac. Please click listing image to access photos & measurements.