County Of Nice - Solid Silver Jam Pot & Silver And Vermeil Spoons With Empire-era Coat Of Arms

An important covered jam pot in solid silver, Empire period, resting on a circular base supported by four finely chased claw feet, its gallery delicately pierced. The decoration, characteristic of the Neoclassical style, is richly composed of confronted griffins, flaming urns, lyres, and laurel wreaths, symbols of victory and perpetuity. The handles are formed of winged, helmeted heads representing Mercury, god of commerce. The lid, its rim entirely pierced, is surmounted by a finial depicting a woman in classical style, draped in the Greco-Roman manner. The rim is entirely pierced, which is rare. A coat of arms, surmounted by a count's coronet, accompanied by a Latin motto, attests to an aristocratic commission. It is repeated on the base as a shield. The piece has retained its superb cut crystal interior, without any chips (perfect condition). The jam pot is stamped with the hallmarks of the County of Nice (late 18th – early 19th century), a period during which Nice was part of the Duchy of Savoy. It bears silver hallmarks (bull's head (Kingdom of Sardinia), lion, helmeted head) and a maker's mark “RC”, unidentified. Height: 32 cm / 12.6 in. Total weight of the jam pot: 796 g. Gross weight with crystal bowl: 1400 g. 12 solid silver jam spoons – 950/1000 fine silver. Early 19th century, Empire/Restoration period. Exceptional set of 950/1000 solid silver jam spoons, stamped with the Old Man hallmark (Michelangelo for Paris 1819-1838), maker unidentified. Each handle depicts a winged putto playing with a stylized fish, which he suspends above a cornucopia. The scene is surrounded by remarkably delicate foliage and cattails against a matte background. The underside of the spoons remains smooth and plain, true to tradition, with a pointed bowl. They feature beautiful period gilding. No deformation or damage. 12 pieces: Length: 14 cm / 5.51 in. Sterling silver weight (12 pieces): 196 g.