Paris 1819–1834 – Sterling Silver Sauceboat By Legrand, Louis XVIII Period

Elegant helmet-shaped sauceboat in solid silver, crafted by the Parisian master silversmith Désiré-Toussaint LEGRAND.
Raised on an oval stepped foot, adorned with a moulded band and a finely chased gadroon frieze. The navette-shaped body with pronounced spout is edged at the lip with a delicate gadroon border in light relief, echoing the decoration of the base. The ribbed scroll handle is embellished at its upper and lower junctions with stylised acanthus leaves of refined execution.

Hallmarks

• Vieillard 1st standard (for sterling silver 950/1000, Paris, 1819–1838
• Paris guarantee mark
• Maker’s mark: DTL with three feathers surmounted by a star.

Dimensions

• Height: 20 cm
• Length: 25 cm

Net weight: 478 grams

Period: Louis XVIII period (French Restauration)

Condition report:
Very good overall condition.

This elegant and understated sauceboat exemplifies the balance, rigour, and refinement of the Restauration period. The restrained lines and delicately highlighted decoration reflect the neoclassical sobriety that characterises Legrand’s work. A fine expression of the refined tableware aesthetics sought after by the bourgeois and aristocratic clientele of the early 19th century.


DÉSIRÉ-TOUSSAINT LEGRAND
Master silversmith in Paris, active from 1818 to 1834

Désiré-Toussaint LEGRAND established his workshop at 79 quai de l’Horloge in Paris, at the heart of the city’s historic silversmithing district.
His maker’s mark, registered in 1818, consists of the initials “D” and “L” framing a motif of three feathers surmounted by a star. It was officially struck off in 1834, testifying to a consistent and highly regarded production.

LEGRAND is renowned for the finesse and quality of his silver and vermeil pieces. His work belongs to the French silversmithing tradition of the early 19th century, distinguished by classical rigour, technical mastery, and discreet elegance.

His creations, often commissioned by an affluent and cultured clientele, reflect the refined taste of the time. Notable examples include a pair of covered vegetable dishes bearing the arms of the Marquis de Pomereu d’Aligre ^[1], and a covered tureen presented to Captain Frederick A. de Peyster ^[2].
His hallmark also appears on more elaborate works, such as a vermeil ewer and basin with mythological figures ^[3], or the monumental inkwell made for Carlo Alberto di Savoia, reputedly used to sign the Armistice of Villafranca in 1859 ^[4].

^{[1] SOTHEBY’S Paris, Important European Silver, Gold Boxes And Vertu, 10 April 2008 – Lot 61 : Paire de légumiers couverts en argent, par Désiré-Toussaint Legrand, Paris, 1818-1819. Est. 3-4000€.
[2] SOTHEBY’S New-York, Important Americana: Silver, Chinese Export, and Prints, 22 janvier 2021 : A French Silver Covered Tureen with de Peyster Presentation, Désiré-Toussaint Legrand, Paris, dated 1830. Est. 5-8000 USD.
[3] SOTHEBY’S New-York, Style New York: Silver, Ceramics, Furniture, 21 avril 2021 : A Charles X Silver-Gilt Ewer and Basin, Desire-Toussaint Legrand, Paris, Circa 1830. Est. 5-7000 USD.
[4] MUSEO NAZIONALE RISORGIMENTO ITALIANO, Turin - Inkwell of Carlo Alberto di Savoia, Desire-Toussaint Legrand, argent doré, Paris 1824/1829.}