+Bardies-Faure Et Co. 1914 Paris Edwardian Guilloche Enameled Box In .950 Sterling Silver

A guilloche enameled round box designed by Bardies-Faure Et Cie.

Fabulous French enameled box created in Paris in the early 20th century, during the Edwardian period, back in the 1914-1915. This beautiful box was designed with neo-classic Louis XVI patterns at the workshop of Bardies-Faure & Cie. It was carefully crafted with impeccable details in solid .950/.999 standard sterling silver with gilded interiors finish. Made of circular form and decorated with radiant engine turned guilloche topped with applications of translucent light pink enamel. The lid is decorated on the side and around it with a frieze of foliage scrolls oak leaves and corns. The underneath are treated with engine turned concentric circles of classical patterns.

The engraved designs of guilloche are magnificent. Created in the form of five scrolled laurels with striped straight lines running from the center. The craftsmanship of this box is superb and is by far one of the best examples we have ever seen from this famous French maker. This box is remarkable for its dimensions and its weight as well as for the finesse of its guilloche which covers the entire object. A fact that we want to point out is that the enamel is quite thick, which creates a visual effect of three dimensions.

Weight: 131.95 Grams, (84.58 Dwt).

Measurements: Diameter of 80.1 mm and a height of 28.7 mm (3.15 x 1.13 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks; the maker's mark BF&CO with a fleur d'Lys associated to Bardies-Faure & Cie. and twice with the mark of Minerva 1st standard inside an octagonal cartouche (Osprey-133) for the warranty and assay of the .950/.999 silver.

Note: The mark stamped in this piece, of a helmeted Minerva facing to the right inside an octagonal framed cartouche is listed in Osprey as number 133. This mark was used in France, between the 1834 to the 1919. The octagonal shape of the mark, refer exclusively to an assay of 95% silver or over.

Note: The workshops of Bardies-Faure & Cie was located in Paris 9, at the number 13 of Rue Des Fontaine Du Temple. This mark was first registered in 1914 and they was the successors of the exceptional Parisian silversmith Gaston Bardies. active in Paris between the 1897 and 1914.

Gaston Bardies and Bardies-Faure Et Cie.

The Bardies silverware and jewelery atelier was founded by Gaston Bardies in Paris in 1897 and his mark was registered the same year. Subsequently in 1914, it was added in partnership as Bardies-Faure and Company. This silver workshop was one of the leading, most famous and iconic in Paris at the time, so much so that the Tiffany house in New York commissioned numerous silver works for its store in New York City.

The Edwardian Period

This era like the Georgian and Victorian eras before it, derives its name from the reign of the English King, Edward VII (1901-1910). Edwardian jewelry is known for representing femininity while incorporating a lot of the color white. Think diamonds, pearls and white metals like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They tended to be made from platinum and diamonds – the more, the merrier – and used fashionable, intricate techniques such as filigree and millegrain. Edwardian rings are works of art and best worn alone or alongside a simple wedding band. Mill graining, a new decorative technique made possible by the use of platinum, is featured often on Edwardian jewelry. Its border of delicate balls and ridges surrounding a gemstone or on the knife sharp edges of a design served to give jewelry a softer, lighter look.

Guilloché 

Is a term used in fine jewelry or objects de Vertu to enhance the appearance of boxes, frames, brooches, rings or pendants. Guilloché enamel refers to metal pieces that have been given the Guilloché treatment and then covered with a translucent layer of enamel, giving the geometric patterns underneath the enamel a colorful hue.

Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry pouch.

Condition: The overall condition of this box is impeccable. Beside the little normal wear, there is no trace of wear to the silver. The enamel is secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D083023XERI/4.017