{"product_id":"antique-french-950-silver-sugar-tongs-with-lion-paw-terminals-attributed-to-philippe-berthier-paris-napoleon-iii-era-19th-century","title":"Antique French .950 Silver Sugar Tongs with Lion-Paw Terminals, Attributed to Philippe Berthier, Paris, Napoleon III Era, 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eItem Title: Antique French .950 Silver Sugar Tongs with Lion-Paw Terminals, Attributed to Philippe Berthier, Paris, Napoleon III Era, 19th Century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e## Additional Description\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exquisite pair of mid-19th-century French silver sugar tongs attributed to Parisian silversmith Philippe Berthier, distinguished by their elaborate Rococo Revival ornamentation, sculptural lion-paw terminals, and finely detailed decorative elements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe tongs feature an elongated, gracefully arched form with slender, fluted arms terminating in beautifully modeled lion paws. Each terminal is embellished with an interlaced ribbon or knot motif above the sculptural paw, lending an additional element of refinement to the design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne side features an elaborate arrangement of scrolling foliage surrounding a shield-shaped cartouche, while the upper bow is crowned by a pointed, urn-like finial with a delicately textured collar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOf particular significance are the surviving French hallmarks, including a diamond-shaped maker's punch appearing to contain the initials **P B separated by a bird**, consistent with the registered maker's mark of Philippe Berthier of Paris. An adjacent hallmark appears consistent with the French Minerva silver guarantee mark, suggesting a solid-silver composition, potentially of the first standard (.950 fineness).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA particularly elegant example of 19th-century French table silver, these tongs embody the decorative sophistication associated with Napoleon III-era entertaining and the revival of earlier Louis XV and Rococo design traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e## Era\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMid-to-Late 19th Century, circa 1850–1880.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrench Napoleon III Period (1852–1870), with Rococo Revival influences.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttributed to Philippe Berthier, Paris.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e## History\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhilippe Berthier was a prominent Parisian silversmith active during the 19th century, producing finely crafted silver tableware and serving implements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis registered maker's mark featured the initials **P B separated by a woodcock (bécasse)** within a diamond-shaped punch. Records document registrations of his maker's mark in 1847 and 1851. His business was subsequently acquired by the silversmith Alphonse Debain in 1883.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring the reign of Napoleon III, French decorative arts experienced a renewed enthusiasm for the ornamental styles of the 18th century, particularly the asymmetrical scrollwork, naturalistic motifs, and elaborate detailing associated with the Rococo period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSugar tongs were an important accessory in formal tea and coffee services, allowing individual pieces of sugar to be served elegantly and hygienically. The finest examples incorporated sculptural terminals, intricate chased decoration, and ornamental flourishes that elevated otherwise practical implements into decorative objects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe lion-paw terminals and richly ornamented handle of the present example reflect this tradition of sophisticated French silver craftsmanship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e## Provenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrance, attributed to Parisian silversmith Philippe Berthier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaker's mark appears consistent with the registered P B punch incorporating a bird emblem associated with Berthier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e## Materials\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSilver, likely French first-standard .950 silver, pending final confirmation of the assay mark.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCast and chased decorative elements, with stamped hallmarks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e## Dimensions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: To be confirmed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidth: To be confirmed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight: To be confirmed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e## Condition\/Disclaimers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood antique condition, exhibiting age-appropriate surface scratches, tarnishing, oxidation, and patination consistent with historic use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe elaborate decorative details remain well defined, including the sculptural terminals, scrolling foliate decoration, and upper finial.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe interior retains partially worn hallmarks, including a diamond-shaped maker's punch appearing consistent with Philippe Berthier's registered P B and bird mark, together with an adjacent stamp believed to represent the French Minerva silver guarantee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttribution to Philippe Berthier and .950 silver fineness are based on visual examination of the existing hallmarks and published maker-mark references. Neither has been independently authenticated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinor irregularities and evidence of historic use are consistent with the object's antique nature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e## Value\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e**Estimated Retail Value: $175–$275 USD**\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis preliminary estimate assumes confirmation of the Philippe Berthier attribution, solid .950 silver composition, and good functional condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn authenticated maker's mark, confirmed silver fineness, and favorable weight could support pricing toward the upper end of the range.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50702194016511,"sku":null,"price":130.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/E3CBEFEE-3E3C-4C69-9FDC-803B97F7289B.png?v=1792341897","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/fr\/products\/antique-french-950-silver-sugar-tongs-with-lion-paw-terminals-attributed-to-philippe-berthier-paris-napoleon-iii-era-19th-century","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}