Bruges – Pair Of Solid Silver Stoves, Rooster Hallmark, Second Fineness Mark, 1798–1809 –

Bruges – Pair of solid silver stoves, rooster hallmark, second fineness mark, 1798–1809 – Unidentified silversmith

A rare pair of solid silver 800-th rechauds, made in Bruges between 1798 and 1809 during French administration, bearing the rooster hallmark, second fineness mark, and the hallmark of Department 54. Silversmith unidentified.

Circular in shape, these burners each rest on three slightly arched legs, ending in lion’s claws. Their bodies consist of an elegant openwork gallery decorated with interlaced arcades, evoking a succession of rib vaults, framed by friezes finely chased with foliage motifs.

Three small handles in the shape of stylized leaves punctuate the rim of each burner and complete the balance of their composition.

This pair is unique in that it has retained its two original, beautifully crafted inner liners, made of metal with a gilded exterior. These removable containers feature a perforated base with a radial arrangement of circular holes and elongated openings, as well as a central ring for handling.

The preservation of these two original inner liners is a major highlight of this set, especially since it is rare to find a pair of braziers from this period in such complete condition.

Thanks to their perforated interiors, these warmers can easily be used as a pair of planters. The contrast between the openwork solid silver bands and the gilded containers gives them a particularly elegant decorative presence, whether on a table or a piece of furniture.

This pair, of fine craftsmanship, attests to the skill of the silversmiths working in Bruges during the period of French administration.

Characteristics

• Origin: Bruges, Department 54, under French administration.
• Period: 1798–1809, First Empire.
• Silversmith: Unidentified.
• Hallmarks: Rooster, second fineness mark, and Department 54.
• Material: Solid silver, 800 parts per thousand.
• Composition: Pair of circular burners.
• Decoration: Openwork galleries with interlaced arches and friezes of chiseled foliage motifs.
• Base: Three curved legs with lion’s claws on each warmer.
• Interiors: Two original removable metal containers with gilded exteriors, perforated bottoms, and central rings.
• Use: Warmers that can also be used as planters.
• Height: 13.5 cm.
• Diameter: 16 cm.
• Total net weight of silver: 1,016 g.
• Special feature: A rare pair preserved with both original inner containers.