Alphonse Debain: Six Silver And Vermeil Teaspoons, With Neo-gothic Metalwork. 19th Century

An exceptional set of solid silver coffee spoons by Alphonse Debain.

This rare design is inspired by traditional ironwork, which has been very popular in castles and grand estates since the 17th century.

The handles feature alternating patterns of white silver and vermeil:

The tip features a twisted, openwork ball topped by a small vermeil pyramid. It then extends into a series of turned motifs: a truncated pyramidal shaft, and finally a twisted shaft.

Each piece is hallmarked:

. Pre-1973 1st-grade mercury hallmark, export hallmark

. Silversmith’s hallmark: AD with a woodcock for Alphonse Debain.

Alphonse Debain was the heir to a family of silversmiths established in 1847. He had his hallmark engraved in 1883 and, as early as 1889, received a gold medal at the World’s Fair. An exceptional teapot of his own design is housed at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.

He demonstrated great originality and a refined decorative sensibility with unique pieces or those produced in very small series, such as this candy set.

These magnificent and very rare spoons, with motifs inspired by ironwork, are exceedingly rare in French silversmithing. It is a very rare design that is almost never seen.

I am fortunate to be able to offer you a dessert set in the same style.

The craftsmanship on each piece is impressive and must have taken an immense amount of time. The result is a small masterpiece of silversmithing, characterized by great delicacy and remarkable beauty.

11.5 cm

66.22 grams

Very good condition. Minor scratches from use; the vermeil is slightly faded.

In-person pickup in Paris or insured Colissimo shipping.

France: 15€
Europe: 20€
Worldwide: 35€