Sauce Boat, Paris 1797, Sterling Silver, Nicolas Richard Masson, Directoires Period

Very elegant sauce boat from the Directoire period in sterling  silver. Its finely engraved, openwork and chiseled decorations still testify to the strong influence of the Louis XVI style. It is in perfect condition and is hallmarked with the guarantee of silver of the first title "au premier coq", the goldsmith's hallmark diamond NRM and a trowel. It also bears a very rare guarantee Hallmark  dating from the year 1797 depicting a boar's head accompanied by the number 1. This hallmark of guarantee was used during the year 1797 and was the first hallmark of guarantee after the abolition of the royal hallmarking offices  by the revolutionary power. The disappearance of these authorities of control and guarantee caused serious problems of non-respect of the titles of silver and gold by certain goldsmiths. During the years 1795 and 1796 decrees were promulgated but it was finally the law of 19 Brumaire of the year VI which restored order and gave birth to this first and ephemeral hallmark of guarantee "with the head of boar" which is on this sauce boat. It is rather large and weighs 470 grams.