Debain: Silver & Gilt Mignardises / Sweets / Petits Fours Service, Ironwork, 19th Century

Exceptional solid silver sweet service by Alphonse Debain.

This rare sweet service is inspired by traditional ironwork, very popular in châteaux and stately homes since the 17th century.

It consists of a fork, a spade, a spoon, and sugar tongs.

The handles are made of alternating motifs in white silver and silver-gilt. The tip is formed by a twisted ball topped by a small silver-gilt pyramid. It then extends into a succession of turned motifs; a truncated pyramidal stem, and finally a twisted stem.

The spade, spoon, and fork are heavily openworked with neo-Gothic motifs. The sugar tongs end in lion paws.

Each piece is hallmarked:
. Minerva 1st quality before 1973
. Goldsmith's hallmark: AD with a woodcock for Alphonse Debain.

Alphonse Debain is the heir to a family of goldsmiths established since 1847. He had his hallmark engraved in 1883 and received a gold medal at the Universal Exhibition in 1889. An exceptional teapot by him is preserved at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.
He demonstrated great originality and decorative refinement with unique pieces or very small series, such as this candy server.

Magnificent and very rare candy service, these ironwork-inspired motifs are extremely rare in French goldsmithing. This is likely a unique piece made by the Debain firm.
The work carried out on each piece is impressive and must have taken an infinite amount of time. The result is a small goldsmith's masterpiece of great delicacy and remarkable beauty.

12.5 to 14 cm

77.67 grams

Very good condition. Minor scratches from use.

Hand delivery in Paris or insured Colissimo shipping.
France: €15
Europe: €20
Worldwide: €35