Paris 1798-1809 – Empire Silver Mustard Pot By J.-p.-n. Bibron, 1er Coq Mark

Elegant lidded mustard pot in solid silver and cut crystal, crafted in Paris during the Consulate or early Empire period by the silversmith Jean-Pierre-Nicolas BIBRON.

This refined object of vertu exemplifies the excellence of Parisian silverwork around 1800, combining neoclassical ornament with outstanding craftsmanship.The domed lid is topped with a stylised acorn finial and bordered by a finely chased frieze of acanthus leaves on a matte background, typical of early Empire decorative vocabulary. The rim is encircled by a delicate gadroon band. The scroll-shaped thumbpiece features a central reserve adorned with a laurel wreath frieze, ending in a small flowerhead.The lid rests on a wide decorative band in pierced silverwork (repercé), highlighted with a string-of-pearls motif. This architectural belt supports three winged female figures in the antique manner, with upswept hair, a bare décolleté, and a medallion clasp at the neck—evoking the fashion of the Directoire “Merveilleuses” and the final years of the reign of LOUIS XVI.Each figure stands on a classical tapered base terminating in lion’s paw feet. At the centre, a beautifully chased rosette with radiating petals forms the inner platform supporting the cut crystal liner, decorated with vertical fluting in its lower section. The side handle is a bold volute adorned with lanceolate leaves on a matte ground, ending in a small flower motif. Marks

1st Rooster, Paris 1st standard (.950 silver) – on body and lid

Paris large guarantee mark – on body and lid

Silversmith’s mark: JPB, with a lion and a star, two dots – for JEAN-PIERRE-NICOLAS BIBRON

Large guarantee for the départements – under the base

Gross weight: 185 gNet silver weight: 93 gMeasures

Total height: 10.8 cm

Width (with handle): 9.5 cm

Body diameter: 6.4 cmConsulate / Empire Period. Paris, circa 1798–1809.


ABOUT THE MAKER – J.-P.-N. BIBRON
Jean-Pierre-Nicolas BIBRON, master silversmith in Paris from 1798, operated from several addresses including rue de Harlay, rue Saint-Jacques, and from 1818, rue Bourg-l’Abbé. Active under the Directoire, Empire, and Restoration, BIBRON is known for combining finely chased silver with cut crystal to produce elegant tableware.His works—mustard pots, vinaigrettes, sugar bowls, sauceboats, coffee pots—are recognisable by their classical ornamentation: female figures, palmettes, lion masks, stylised handles. His maker’s mark is documented throughout the legal standards in effect between 1798 and 1838. COMPARABLES & REFERENCES

LEMPERTZ Cologne, 15 May 2014, Auction 1028 – Lot 219:
Paris silver mustard pot with cut glass inset. Marks of Jean-Pierre-Nicolas Bibron, 1809–1819.
Estimate: €600 – Sold: €793

Also comparable to the mustard pot by BIBRON held by the MUSÉE DES ARTS DÉCORATIFS in Paris, inv. 27422.

PUBLIC COLLECTIONS & LISTED PIECES

MUSÉE DES ARTS DÉCORATIFS, Paris – Mustard pot, Empire period, inv. 27422

MUSÉE DES ARTS DÉCORATIFS, Paris – Two salt cellars, Paris 1798–1809, inv. 37487 A and B

CATHEDRALE SAINT-GATIEN, Tours – Chalice and paten in gilded silver, Paris 1798–1809

CHURCH OF SAINT-GEORGES, Franken – Chalice in gilded silver, Paris 1809

CHURCH OF NOTRE-DAME-DU-RONCIER, Josselin – Sick call ciborium, Paris, 1798–1809 (listed monument since 1982)

Private collection, Saint-Martin-de-Ré – Sauceboat and matching tray, Empire period

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Archives de la Monnaie and de la Garantie, Paris: Insculpation plates no. 3 and 15 (Year V)

Almanach du Commerce (1805, 1806), Almanach Azur (1811–1822)

PERON A., Tableau des fabriquans en matières d’or et d’argent, 1804

DOUËT S.-P., Symbol charts of Paris silversmithing, 1806 & 1809

BOIVIN J., Les Anciens Orfèvres, 1925

HELFT J., Les Nouveaux poinçons, 1982