Philippe Wolfers – Set Of Salt Shaker, Pepper Shaker, And Mustard Jar In 950-th Solid Silver –

Philippe Wolfers – Salt, pepper, and mustard shaker set in 950-thousandths solid silver – Louis XIV style – Early 20th century

Description

A very beautiful three-piece set in 950-th solid silver, comprising a salt shaker, a pepper shaker, and a mustard pot, crafted in the early 20th century by the prestigious Wolfers firm and bearing the hallmark of Philippe Wolfers, the firm’s most prestigious.

This set stands out for its exceptionally fine craftsmanship, rich detailing, and remarkable total weight of 850 grams for all three pieces.

In pure Louis XIV style, the three pieces feature a stepped architectural design, resting on molded pedestals with polygonal bases. The corners are adorned with shells and foliage motifs, while the bodies are highlighted by successive moldings that accentuate their architectural character.

The salt and pepper shakers are topped with tall, openwork, dome-shaped lids, divided into panels with beveled edges. Each panel features a latticework design punctuated by small circular motifs, allowing for the dispensing of salt and pepper. The lids are crowned with fluted rims featuring godrons and beaded motifs, echoing the lines of the set.

The mustard shaker, of a matching shape, has a stepped lid topped by an identical fluted rim. Its beveled body is adorned with seashells beneath the upper rim and features an elegantly curved side handle.

All three pieces bear a monogram engraved on one of the panels of their bodies, reinforcing the cohesiveness of this set.

The quality of craftsmanship deserves special attention. These pieces were crafted using a silversmithing technique known as “cast silver,” that is, by casting the metal, which produces particularly substantial pieces with sharp reliefs and deeply modeled details.

This technique explains, in particular, the set’s unusually high weight: 850 grams of silver for just three pieces, which attests to the generous use of metal and the high standard of craftsmanship sought.

The salt and pepper shakers are equipped with a bayonet-style locking mechanism, allowing their lids to be secured with a simple quarter-turn. This mechanism ensures that the removable parts are held securely in place.

The combination of the architectural precision of the beveled sides, the sculpted shells, the moldings, and the finely executed finials gives this set a particularly elegant presence, faithful to the aesthetic of French Louis XIV-style silverware.

Philippe Wolfers’ hallmark is a key factor in the appeal of this set, both due to the goldsmith’s prestige and the high standard of craftsmanship associated with his work.

A high-quality set of table silverware, combining the richness of the metal, precision of craftsmanship, and decorative consistency.

Characteristics

• Silversmith: Philippe Wolfers
• Maker: Wolfers, Belgium
• Period: Early 20th century
• Style: Louis XIV
• Material: Solid silver, 950 fineness
• Technique: Cast silver
• Composition: Three pieces: salt shaker, pepper shaker, and mustard pot
• Hallmark: Philippe Wolfers’ hallmark
• Shape: Beveled bodies on molded polygonal bases
• Decoration: Shells, foliage motifs, moldings, openwork latticework, and gadrooned friezes
• Closure: Bayonet system with a quarter-turn lock for the salt shaker and pepper shaker
• Monogram: Engraved on all three pieces
• Height of the salt shaker: 15 cm
• Pepper shaker height: 14.5 cm
• Total weight: 850 grams