Solid Minerva Silver And Cut Crystal Covered Drageoir - Albert Courtin, Paris, Circa 1900

Important solid silver covered drageur hallmarked Minerve, made by the Parisian silversmith Albert Courtin, featuring an elegant, finely chased Louis XV-style mounting.

Resting on a quadrangular molded base with pearl decoration and supported by four moving feet with foliate scrolls, it receives a beautiful cut crystal bowl with wide faceted sides, framed by two imposing openwork rocaille handles.

The removable lid, topped by a richly openworked grip, completes a particularly balanced and refined silhouette.

The set perfectly illustrates the quality of Parisian goldsmithing during the Belle Époque, a period in which neo-Louis XV taste underwent a remarkable revival.

The quality of the chasing, the finesse of the proportions and the perfect association between the solid silver mounting and the luminous transparency of the crystal make this a presentation piece of great refinement.

The crystal is in perfect condition, with no chips or restoration.

An elegant centerpiece that can also be used as a candy dish, cookie jar or decorative display object.