Pair Antique French Veyrat Silver-Plated Covered Dishes | 19th C Tureens

About This Piece  

A remarkable pair of antique French silver-plated covered vegetable dishes, légumiers or tureens by Veyrat of Paris, also bearing the stamp PETERS.  Dating to the Napoléon III period, after approximately 1860, this pair brings together the precision of engine-turned guilloché, substantial cast handles and finely engraved decoration in a particularly handsome form.

The bodies and domed covers are covered in an intricate geometric guilloché pattern, creating a finely textured surface that catches the light beautifully. The precision of the decoration reflects the specialized machinery and considerable skill required to produce this type of engine-turning.

The contrast with the sculptural handles is especially appealing. The elaborately cast side handles are formed as opposing scrolling volutes, centered by a finely textured, stylized foliate motif. Their substantial scale gives the dishes  a wonderful sense of presence, while the scrolling forms soften the otherwise highly geometric design.Each bowl is centered by a distinctive shield-shaped heraldic cartouche, engraved with stars and vertical elements. The design incorporates shaded hatching, giving the engraved decoration depth and movement against the precise geometric ground.

Veyrat was one of the important Parisian names in 19th-century silver and silver plate. His work encompassed both solid silver and plated wares. These dishes have the substantial presence expected of fine French tableware intended for formal entertaining and grand dining. Their combination of richly worked surfaces, heraldic engraving and heavy, sculptural handles gives them the appearance and presence of much more costly solid silver while retaining the practicality of silver plate.

An impressive pair for a French château-inspired table, country house dining room or collector’s table, they would be beautiful surrounded by antique French faïence, blue-and-white ceramics, crystal and additional silver.

Provenance & Collectors Notes

The undersides are stamped VEYRAT À PARIS and PETERS, together with numbered French silver-plating marks, including 77 and 24. There is also an additional maker’s mark depicting a three-masted sailing vessel beneath initials that are difficult to read.  The latter has not been definitively identified and is an intriguing detail for further research.

•    Maker & Origin: Veyrat, Paris, France
•    Era & Date: circa 1860
•    Aesthetic Design: French Traditional | Napoleon III 

Details & Dimensions

• Material: Silver plate
• Height: 5"
•  Width: 10-handle to handle, bowl diameter 6 1/2"
•  Depth: 2 1.2" 
• Stock #  12600

Condition

Condition Report; good condition, with wear consistent with age and use.
The pair was used and shows signs of age and service consistent with antique tableware. Each bowl has darker rings to the interior and small dings associated with serving utensils. One handle is slightly bent downward but remains sturdy and secure.
There is also some wear to the silver plating, with areas where the underlying metal is visible through the silver surface. This is sometimes referred to as bleeding. These areas, together with the other signs of use, contribute to the authentic character and history of the pair.

Shipping & Handling

• 1-2 day packing time, ships via USPS Ground Mail
• Complimentary shipping within the US
• Reduced International Rates available