Small Silver-gilt Bell By Favier In Lyon, 19th Century.

This piece exemplifies the craftsmanship of the Favier firm, a dynasty of Lyon goldsmiths active from 1824 to 1976.
It perfectly illustrates the "Neo-Renaissance or Troubadour" style, of which Favier was a leading specialist.
This firm was the preferred supplier to the major churches and noble families of the Lyon region.
Their work is distinguished by a rigorous medieval inspiration, superior chasing—often more pronounced than that of Parisian goldsmiths—and the density of the metal.

The upper part of the body is decorated with egg-and-dart motifs on a matte background.
The rest of the body, plain, features high-relief applications of fruit and flower clusters on a dynamic, radiating design. The lower part is bordered by a frieze decorated with shells, echoing the finial.
The fluted, baluster-shaped finial is topped with a button composed of shells on a matte background.
The gilt and chasing are in perfect condition.

Hallmark: Minerva, 1st standard 950/1000.
Silversmith: inscribed in full: FAVIER in Lyon.
Period: between 1846 and 1880.
Weight: 186 g.
FAVIER family: 3 cities and 150 years of silversmithing.