Laparra & Gabriel, Paris – Strawberry Server In Sterling Silver And Vermeil

A superb silver and silver-gilt strawberry server by the silversmiths LAPARRA & GABRIEL (81 grams).

The handle, of Louis XVI inspiration, is decorated with a thread pattern along the stem terminating in delicate acanthus leaves repeated at the heel and shoulder. The spatula is finely chased with a laurel frieze and centred with a BG monogram in Gothic letters.

The bowl, shaped as a shell, is in solid silver gilt with fine gold. This motif, characteristic of strawberry servers introduced in the nineteenth century, derives from neoclassical models and here illustrates the great mastery of chasing and the quality of the gilding.

Hallmarks:
• French Minerva first standard
• Maker’s mark: L G with a rat (partly struck)

Dimensions:
• Length: 21.6 cm
• Width: 8.6 cm

Net weight: 81 g

Condition report:
Excellent condition. Exceptional sharpness of chasing, fine quality of gilding and good gauge of silver.

With its classical structure and perfectly balanced proportions, this strawberry server displays the precision and refinement characteristic of the work of LAPARRA & GABRIEL.

The Maison LAPARRA is founded in 1893 by Antoine LAPARRA, a distinguished Parisian silversmith who works for several princely families of Europe and for the leading jewellers of the Place Vendôme. Initially established at 3 rue de la Perle, he registers his maker’s mark on 19 April 1895 before moving his workshop to 157 rue du Temple, in the historic silversmiths’ district.

In 1902, the firm adopts the name LAPARRA & GABRIEL at the same address. Their lozenge-shaped maker’s mark bears the letters L G separated by a rat, registered on 12 August 1902. It remains in use until 26 December 1926, when the business is taken over by Henri LAPARRA, nephew of Antoine.

Henri registers his own mark the same year, H L with a rat, and continues the production until the company is acquired by the SOUCHE brothers in 1960.

The firm LAPARRA & GABRIEL produces silverware of outstanding quality, including cutlery, serving pieces and refined table accessories, in a style both restrained and elegant, distinguished by exemplary finish. It ranks among the most respected Parisian silversmiths of the early twentieth century and regularly takes part in the major decorative-arts exhibitions of its time.

Sources:
Archives de la Garantie de Paris; Tardy, Dictionnaire des poinçons de maîtres orfèvres français; company documentation, LAPARRA.