Blue Enameled Silver Correspondence Stamp, Maison Fouquet-lapar, Paris, Circa 1898–1912

The Belle Époque

Rare correspondence stamp in solid silver and blue enamel, made by the Maison Fouquet-Lapar, a Parisian goldsmith active at the hinge of the 19th and 20th centuries, formally identified thanks to the presence of the original label preserved inside the case in very good condition monogrammed R.M. S Of strictly academic neo-Louis XVI style, the object is distinguished by an architectural composition of great rigor, combining a finely chiseled decor with a deep cobalt blue enamel, perfectly vitrified. The ornamental vocabulary - ribbons, laurel garlands, palmettes and Greek meanders - is part of the tradition of the neoclassical repertoire, reinterpreted in Paris at the end of the 19th century for a conservative and demanding clientele. The stamp is monogrammed "R.M.", engraved on the lid. It is designed to hold wax pencils, a function still fully readable today, three old red pencils are still present.

The interior imprint is finely gilded with vermeil, a detail revealing a careful execution and a use of representation characteristic of the Parisian productions of the Belle Époque. The quality of the enamel and the absence of any Art Nouveau or Art Deco influence make it possible to tighten the dating of this piece to the years before the First World War.

Illustrated museum comparables

Museum of Decorative Arts, Paris — Enameled silver correspondence objects, around 1895–1910. Comparable by their typology (cax cases, stamp holders), their symmetrical neoclassical decor and the use of cobalt blue enamel. Carnavalet Museum - History of Paris - Personal stamps and monogrammed correspondence objects, late 19th - early 20th century. Comparable by the private function and the social status of the objects. Victoria and Albert Museum, London — Luxury desk and correspondence objects, Europe, around 1900. Comparable by the level of quality, the use of silver and enamel, and dating.

Note: Museums rarely keep the box and wax with the object. The copy presented here is distinguished by its complete state (object, ancient wax and original box), which gives it a superior heritage status.

Punches

– Wild boar punch, guaranteeing money (French title) – Master punch in diamond "F.L.", Fouquet-Lapar – Punched period address: 25, rue de Chazelles, Paris

Details

Material: solid silver and enamel House: Fouquet-Lapar, Paris Origin: France Dating: around 1898–1910 Dimensions: length approx. 13 cm Weight: approx. 83 g Condition: Old enamel with slight punctual shortcomings, compatible with the use and seniority of the room, without altering the overall aesthetic reading.