Untitled 1
Direct from Paris:
The birthplace of Art Deco, a magnificent set of 4 Art Deco, 950 sterling silver
flatware serving pieces in excellent condition by two of France’s premier Art
Deco Silversmiths “Ravinet D’Enfert”.
Each of the pieces
have been professionally refinished to near new condition and each bears the
French government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark in addition to the Ravinet
d’Enfert sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark.
In the annals of French decorative arts, few names command as much
respect among connoisseurs of fine silver as that of Ravinet d'Enfert. The
partnership between Louis Ravinet and Charles Denfert - later styled as Ravinet
d'Enfert - represents one of the most significant and enduring collaborations in
the history of French silversmithing. Active from the late nineteenth century
through much of the twentieth, the firm distinguished itself through an
unwavering commitment to technical excellence, innovative design, and the
production of silverware of the highest quality. The firm's association with the
Art Deco movement, particularly during the 1920s and 1930s, cemented its
reputation as a premier creator of modernist luxury, while its royal patronage
and numerous international accolades testified to the exceptional caliber of its
craftsmanship. Among its most celebrated productions are the 950-sterling silver
Art Deco flatware serving pieces, which remain, to this day, some of the most
coveted examples of the era's design ethos and technical mastery.
Origins and Foundation:
The story of Ravinet d'Enfert begins not with the namesake partners but with the
establishment of a silversmithing enterprise in 1845 by a craftsman named E.
Tonnelier. This foundational period established the workshop's presence in
Paris, the undisputed center of French luxury production. The firm's trajectory
changed decisively in 1882 when Louis Ravinet (1854-1925) acquired the business,
bringing to it his vision and entrepreneurial spirit. Ravinet, a silversmith of
considerable skill, recognized the potential to elevate the workshop beyond the
ordinary production of utilitarian wares.
The decisive moment in
the firm's history came in 1891 when Charles d'Enfert (1865-1960) entered into
partnership with Ravinet. This collaboration marked the official birth of
Ravinet d'Enfert, a name that would soon become synonymous with French silver of
the highest order. The complementary talents of the two men proved instrumental
to their success. According to historical accounts of the firm, Ravinet's
expertise lay in design and aesthetics - the artistic vision that defined the
firm's stylistic direction - while d'Enfert excelled in the technical aspects of
silversmithing, bringing precision and innovation to the production process.
This synergy between artistic sensibility and technical mastery formed the
bedrock upon which the firm's reputation was built.
The company established
its headquarters at the Hôtel de Caumartin, located at 83 rue du Temple in the
Marais district of Paris. This location, in the heart of a neighborhood
historically associated with craftsmanship and luxury trades, would serve as the
firm's base for more than a century, a testament to its stability and enduring
presence in the Parisian silversmithing community. The Hôtel de Caumartin
provided not only a functional workspace but also an address of prestige,
situating the firm within the broader network of Parisian luxury artisans who
catered to the city's elite.
The partnership between
Ravinet and d'Enfert continued until 1912, after which the firm underwent a
series of transitions, becoming Ravinet & Cie and later Ravinet d'Enfert & Cie
in 1923. This change coincided with the transfer of management to the next
generation, as André Ravinet and Jacques d'Enfert assumed control of the company
they would guide into the modern era. The continuity of family leadership
ensured that the firm's traditions of excellence were preserved even as it
adapted to changing tastes and market conditions. The company would remain
active until its closure in 1984, a testament to the durability of its
reputation and the enduring appeal of its creations.
The Art Deco Aesthetic:
The Art Deco movement, which flourished in the aftermath of World War I
and reached its zenith during the 1920s and 1930s, represented a decisive break
from the organic, curvilinear forms of Art Nouveau that had dominated the
previous decades. Art Deco embraced geometry, symmetry, streamlined forms, and a
celebration of modernity that reflected the optimism and dynamism of the
post-war era. It was a movement that spanned architecture, fashion, visual arts,
and the decorative arts, with each discipline contributing to its distinctive
aesthetic vocabulary. For silversmiths like Ravinet d'Enfert, Art Deco offered a
new design language that could elevate silverware from mere functional objects
to works of modern art.
Ravinet d'Enfert emerged
as one of the leading exponents of Art Deco silver, producing pieces that
exemplified the movement's core principles. The firm's Art Deco creations
featured bold geometric patterns, sleek and uncluttered lines, and a
sophisticated use of luxurious materials. Unlike the ornate floral motifs and
sinuous curves that characterized the earlier Art Nouveau works produced by the
firm, Art Deco pieces embraced a more restrained and architectural sensibility.
This shift reflected both changing aesthetic preferences and the firm's ability
to adapt its craft to contemporary tastes.
Central to Ravinet
d'Enfert's Art Deco philosophy was a reverence for materials and a meticulous
attention to detail. The firm's artisans employed traditional techniques -
forging, chasing, and engraving - alongside modern innovations to achieve levels
of excellence that set their work apart. The result was not merely utilitarian
objects but what might properly be described as works of art that transcended
their functional purpose. Whether in the clean lines of an ice bucket or the
intricate design of a serving piece, each object bore the unmistakable stamp of
Art Deco elegance.
The firm's ability to
balance form and function was particularly noteworthy. While many Art Deco
objects were admired primarily for their visual appeal, Ravinet d'Enfert ensured
that its creations were also eminently practical and intended to be used in
everyday life. This commitment to functionality without sacrificing aesthetic
quality was a hallmark of the firm's approach, one that distinguished its work
from more purely decorative objects of the period. These serving pieces
exemplify this balance, combining striking visual design with practical utility
that made them indispensable additions to the tables of the elite.
Royal Patronage and
Prestigious Clientele:
The quality and prestige of Ravinet d'Enfert's work attracted the attention of
some of the most discerning clients in Europe, including members of royal
families and the aristocracy. Royal patronage was a significant measure of the
firm's standing, as the monarchies of Europe demanded nothing less than the
finest craftsmanship for their palaces and residences. Among the firm's most
notable royal patrons was Queen Marie of Romania, who commissioned several
pieces for her residence in Bucharest. The Romanian queen, known for her refined
taste and her patronage of the arts, would not have entrusted her commissions to
anything less than the most accomplished silversmiths available.
The firm also received
commissions from other European monarchs, including King Alfonso XIII of Spain
and King Gustaf V of Sweden. These royal endorsements served not only as
commercial opportunities but also as powerful endorsements of the firm's
capabilities. For a silversmithing house to count multiple European monarchs
among its clients was to secure a place among the most elite craftsmen of the
age. The patronage of such influential figures underscored the exceptional
quality and desirability of the firm's products while also providing a level of
prestige that set its work apart from that of competitors.
In addition to royal
patronage, Ravinet d'Enfert counted numerous celebrities, tastemakers, and
wealthy industrialists among its clientele. The firm's creations found favor
with individuals who appreciated the marriage of artistry and functionality
embodied in Art Deco design. For the wealthy elite of the 1920s and 1930s, to
possess Ravinet d'Enfert silver was to signal one's sophistication, taste, and
connection to the most advanced currents of modern design. The firm's reputation
for quality made its pieces highly desirable symbols of status and refinement.
Beyond individual
patrons, the firm also produced pieces for prestigious retail partners. Of
particular note is the firm's association with the world-renowned fashion house
Hermès, for which Ravinet d'Enfert produced silver pieces. This relationship
speaks to the firm's reputation for quality that could meet the exacting
standards of one of the world's most prestigious luxury brands. The Hermès
association further cemented Ravinet d'Enfert's position at the apex of French
luxury production, linking it to a name synonymous with the highest standards of
craftsmanship and design.
Awards and International
Recognition:
Throughout its history, Ravinet d'Enfert maintained a strong presence at
major international exhibitions, where it consistently garnered recognition for
the quality and innovation of its work. These exhibitions served as important
platforms for establishing reputation, securing commercial relationships, and
demonstrating the firm's preeminence within the silversmithing trade. The firm's
success at these events reflected both its technical quality and its commercial
standing within the French silver industry.
The firm's first major
successes came in the 1890s, at a time when the partnership between Ravinet and
d'Enfert was still in its early years. At the Lyon Universal Exhibition in 1894,
the firm was awarded a gold medal, a significant honor that announced its
arrival on the international stage. This early recognition was followed by
another gold medal at the Brussels Exhibition in 1897. These awards demonstrated
that the firm's commitment to excellence had been recognized by international
juries and positioned it as a leading silversmithing house.
The firm continued its
exhibition success into the new century, participating in the Paris
International Exhibitions of 1900, 1925, and 1937. The 1925 exhibition, the
International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in Paris, was
particularly significant, as it was this event that gave rise to the term "Art
Deco" and showcased the best examples of contemporary design from around the
world. At this landmark exhibition, Ravinet d'Enfert was awarded the Grand Prix,
the highest honor available, cementing its reputation as a leading exponent of
the Art Deco movement. This victory in a highly competitive arena represented
the culmination of the firm's artistic development and confirmed its place among
the most innovative decorative artists of the age.
The firm's exhibition
history extended well into the postwar period, with a silver medal awarded at
the Brussels Exhibition in 1958. This later recognition demonstrated the firm's
ability to maintain its standards over many decades, adapting to changing tastes
while preserving the quality that had first brought it acclaim. The awards
received over the firm's long history were not merely decorations but
affirmations of the mastery of craftsmanship and innovation displayed by Ravinet
d'Enfert's artisans across generations.
The firm also received
accolades from professional associations and guilds within the silversmithing
community. These awards, while perhaps less widely publicized than those from
international exhibitions, were equally meaningful as they represented
recognition from peers who understood the technical challenges of the craft. For
the firm's craftsmen, who took great satisfaction in their contribution to the
art form, these professional honors served as a source of pride and validation
of their skills.
The 950 Sterling Silver
Standard: One
of the defining characteristics of Ravinet d'Enfert's production, particularly
the Art Deco flatware serving pieces for which the firm is most celebrated, is
the use of 950 sterling silver. This standard, indicated by the French
government's Minerva 1 hallmark, certifies a minimum silver purity of 950 parts
per thousand, significantly higher than the 925 standard commonly used in
British and American sterling silver. The use of 950 silver reflected the firm's
commitment to the highest quality materials and its positioning within the
luxury market where only the finest would suffice.
The Minerva hallmark was
more than a simple indication of purity; it was a government guarantee of
quality that provided buyers with confidence in their purchases. The hallmarking
system in France, with its rigorous standards of enforcement, was among the most
stringent in the world, and the Minerva 1 mark was reserved for the finest
silver. Ravinet d'Enfert's consistent use of this standard throughout its
production signaled to customers that they were acquiring objects of exceptional
quality and enduring value.
The use of 950 silver had
practical as well as symbolic significance. The higher silver content made the
metal more ductile and suitable for the finest workmanship, while the addition
of alloying metals (primarily copper) provided the necessary hardness for
functional objects. Ravinet d'Enfert's artisans were able to work this
high-purity silver to create pieces of exceptional detail and finish. The weight
of the pieces, often substantial, was a further indicator of quality, as the
firm did not stint on the precious metal in its pursuit of excellence.
Art Deco Serving Pieces:
The Ravinet d'Enfert Art Deco serving pieces represent the apotheosis of the
firm's design and craftsmanship. These sets, typically comprising a range of
pieces designed for serving different courses and foods, exemplify the firm's
ability to create cohesive ensembles of functional luxury. A complete set from
the 1920s could include a large serving spoon, salad serving fork and spoon,
fish serving fork and knife, meat serving fork and knife, soup ladle, ice cream
scoop, cake knife, sauce ladle, berry spoon, gravy ladle, and specialized pieces
for bonbons and olives.
Each piece in these sets
was designed with both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality in mind. The
Art Deco idiom lent itself to serving pieces through its emphasis on clean
lines, geometric forms, and a restrained elegance that complemented the modern
dining table. Unlike the ornate Rococo Revival and Art Nouveau pieces produced
by the firm in earlier periods - which featured elaborate floral and foliate
decoration - the Art Deco serving pieces embraced a more streamlined aesthetic
that remains contemporary even today.
The design details of
these pieces reveal the firm's sophisticated understanding of Art Deco
principles. Handles were often shaped with geometric precision, featuring
stepped or angled contours that provided a comfortable grip while expressing the
modernist aesthetic. The overall forms were balanced and proportionate, with a
sense of architectural solidity that distinguished them from more delicate
earlier styles. Despite their modern design, however, the pieces retained a
sense of luxury and refinement that made them appropriate for the most formal
dining occasions.
The craftsmanship of
these pieces was exceptional, as would be expected from a firm with Ravinet
d'Enfert's reputation. Each piece was individually crafted, with the attention
to detail that only hand-finishing could achieve. The surfaces of the silver
were meticulously finished to a high polish, allowing the metal to catch and
reflect light in ways that enhanced the geometric forms. The joints between
different elements were seamlessly executed, and the overall construction
displayed the technical mastery that was the firm's hallmark.
Enduring Legacy and
Collectability:
The firm of Ravinet d'Enfert ceased operations in 1984, ending a tradition of
silversmithing that had spanned nearly a century and a half. Yet the legacy of
the firm continues to be celebrated by collectors, connoisseurs, and historians
of decorative arts. The Art Deco serving pieces, in particular, remain highly
sought after, appreciated for their aesthetic qualities, historical
significance, and the enduring appeal of their design. The firm's pieces
regularly appear at auction and in the inventory of specialist dealers,
commanding significant prices commensurate with their quality and rarity.
The continuing appeal of
Ravinet d'Enfert's Art Deco flatware can be attributed to several factors.
First, the timeless design aesthetic transcends the boundaries of passing
trends, ensuring their relevance across generations. The clean lines and
geometric forms that characterized the firm's Art Deco production remain
contemporary, harmonizing with modern interiors as effectively as they did with
the interiors of the 1920s and 1930s. Second, the exceptional quality of
craftsmanship imbues these pieces with a sense of luxury and prestige that makes
them highly desirable among discerning collectors.
Third, the historical
significance of Ravinet d'Enfert as a pioneering figure in the Art Deco movement
adds to the intrinsic value of its flatware sets. To possess pieces by the firm
is to connect with one of the most exciting and transformative periods in the
history of decorative arts. The firm's Grand Prix at the 1925 Exposition in
Paris, a pivotal event in the development of the Art Deco movement, gives its
pieces from this period a particular historical resonance that enhances their
importance and collectibility.
For contemporary
collectors, Ravinet d'Enfert pieces offer the opportunity to acquire objects of
demonstrable quality and historical significance. Each piece bears the marks of
its origin and quality, providing assurance of authenticity. The survival of
complete sets of serving pieces is relatively rare, making them particularly
coveted by those seeking to assemble comprehensive examples of Art Deco silver.
Even individual pieces, however, are appreciated for their beauty and
craftsmanship, and can serve as focal points in the decoration of a refined
modern interior.
Set Composition:
The
story of Louis Ravinet, Charles Denfert, and the firm they created is a story of
excellence sustained over generations. From its origins in the mid-nineteenth
century through its partnership era and beyond, Ravinet d'Enfert maintained
standards of craftsmanship that placed it among the premier silversmithing
houses of France. The firm's embrace of the Art Deco aesthetic, particularly
during the 1920s and 1930s, represented a high point of creative achievement,
producing works that embodied the principles of modernism while retaining the
luxury and refinement that had always been the firm's hallmark.
The quality of Ravinet
d'Enfert's work was recognized by the most discriminating patrons and the most
demanding juries. Royal patronage from figures such as Queen Marie of Romania,
King Alfonso XIII of Spain, and King Gustaf V of Sweden placed the firm in the
company of the most elite craftsmen of the age. International exhibitions,
including the crucial 1925 Exposition in Paris, awarded the firm its highest
honors, with the Grand Prix confirming its position at the forefront of Art Deco
design. The awards and accolades accumulated over the firm's long history
testify to a consistent commitment to excellence that never wavered.
The 950-sterling silver
Art Deco serving pieces produced by Ravinet d'Enfert, like these amazing pieces,
represent the culmination of the firm's artistic vision and technical
capability. Each piece demonstrates the mastery of form and material that
distinguished the firm's work, while the cohesive ensembles represent a complete
aesthetic statement of Art Deco principles. These pieces, with their Minerva
hallmarks certifying quality and their maker's marks guaranteeing origin, remain
among the most desirable examples of French Art Deco silver.
These pieces stand as a
testament to the enduring value of fine craftsmanship, the importance of
artistic vision, and the capacity of well-designed objects to transcend their
utilitarian purposes and become works of art. The firm's Art Deco serving pieces
are not merely tools for serving food; they are expressions of a particular
moment in cultural history, embodiments of a design philosophy that continues to
inspire and attract admiration. For collectors and connoisseurs today, they
represent an opportunity to acquire not just beautiful objects but tangible
links to one of the most significant and celebrated traditions in the history of
European decorative arts. The set includes the following (all weights and
measures approximate):
1
Sauce Serving Ladle (Vermeil Bowl ?)
23.40 cm. 94
grams
1
Cheese Serving Knive (stainless blade)
20.20 cm.
55 grams
1
Cake / Pie Serving Knife
27.20 cm.
117 grams
1
Ice Cream Serving Scoop 24.00
cm. 114 grams
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