French Silver Inkstand

This solid silver inkstand, made by the Parisian silversmith Flamant & Fils (active 1880–1891), is a high-quality example of French Belle Époque luxury.

Physical Description

• Tray & Border: The set features an oval silver tray with an ornate “leaf-edged” or foliage border. The ends and centers of the edges are decorated with stylized shells, a design motif inspired by the Louis XV (Rococo) or Louis XVI styles.
• Feet: The tray rests on four small feet decorated with palmettes (fan-shaped palm leaf motifs). Palmettes were a standard neoclassical ornament signifying victory or eternal life.
• Inkwell: The central container is made of crystal with a spiral shape. The lid is also made of solid silver to match the tray.

Maker & Hallmarks

• Flamant & Fils (1880–1891): This firm was located at 140 rue du Temple in the heart of the “Le Marais” silversmithing district in Paris. Louis-Frédéric Flamant headed the firm during this decade, succeeding the partnership of Debain & Flamant.
• The Maker’s Mark: Their specific “master punch” (poinçon de maître) is a diamond shape containing the initials F & F accompanied by the symbol of a boat (gondola) with two men rowing inside.
• The Minerva Mark: The “Minerva 1” hallmark (a profile of the goddess Minerva in an octagonal frame) indicates the highest French silver standard of .950 (95% pure silver). This is a higher purity than British “Sterling” silver, which is only .925.

Additional Historical Context

• Quality: Flamant & Fils were known for “finely chiseled” work and were contemporaries of famous houses like Christofle.
• Stylistic Influence: While often described as “other style” in modern auctions, the combination of shells (Rococo) and palmettes (Neoclassical) reflects the Eclectic or Historicism movement of the late 19th century, where artisans blended motifs from various centuries to create a new, luxurious look.