Empire-style Sauce Bowl In Solid Silver And Vermeil

Paris, 1803–1809

Silversmith: Angélique Marie Coulon

An elegant, teardrop-shaped sauce boat resting on an oval pedestal, adorned with a remarkable handle featuring a finely chased swan’s neck and head—an emblem of the First Empire’s decorative repertoire that was particularly dear to the Empress.

Crafted from solid sterling silver (950/1000), it features an interior entirely in vermeil, with the original gilding exceptionally well-preserved.

Its particularly substantial weight of 565 grams attests to the luxurious craftsmanship characteristic of the finest Parisian productions of the Empire period. By way of comparison, many gravy boats from this era weigh less than 500 grams.

The Paris hallmarks (1803–1809) and the silversmith’s mark of Angélique Marie Coulon, who was active from 1807 onward, date this piece to between 1807 and 1809.

These combined qualities

— the exceptional luster of the silver and vermeil

— generous weight

— remarkable craftsmanship place this sauce boat among the finest examples currently found on the Empire-style silverware market.

Price: 4,800 euros