PARIS late 19th century, dated 1889 - Lot 168

PARIS late 19th century, dated 1889 Important "tea-coffee" service in solid silver, the interiors in gilded silver, and its metal tray. Composed of five pieces: teapot, covered sugar bowl, milk jug, kettle complete with stove and lamp. Two Christofle tea-passes are included, one in silver, the other in silver-plated metal. The unusual ivory handles (CIC n°FR25051000006-K), carved with leaves, are in perfect condition. Minerve hallmark Goldsmith : CARDEILHAC, diamond-shaped and lettered hallmark Gross weight: 4758 g - tray dimensions: length to handles: 86.5 cm - width: 54.5 cm The set, with its classical design of torso ribs enhanced with foliage, was made for Jean-SULLY MOUNET (1841 - 1916), known as MOUNET-SULLY, a sacred monster of the Comédie Française, of which he was "the" model of fidelity, in contrast to other famous members such as Sarah Bernhardt, of whom he was the lover. A legendary actor, tragedian and 297th member of the Comédie Française, this service is engraved with his motto: "PAR LA FOI" ("BY FAITH"); the mascaron of tragedy, recalling his spectacular, lyrical interpretations of the works of Corneille and Racine; and the Legion of Honor of 1889, which an actor received for the first time, topped by a knight's helmet. This ensemble, emblematic of a bygone era, embodies the eulogistic comments of Victor Hugo and Jules Renard: "He's more than an actor, he's a god who reigns over the people! Expert: Claire Badillet claire-badillet@orange.fr