Precious vermeil coffee service, partly enameled, made for S - Lot 353

Precious vermeil coffee service, partly enameled, made for Sultan Abdul Hamid II by the goldsmith Marie-Amélie Cardeilhac. In its custom-made case adorned with an engraved plaque "S.A.I Abdul Hamid II". Paris, early 20th century The set comprises ten pieces, including a tray, a coffee pot, a stove and a match set, as well as coffee service pieces. Each piece is marked with the goldsmith's hallmark and the minerve mark. Case: 17.8 x 38.5 x 34.7 cm; Tray: 39.6 cm; Coffee pot: H. 13 cm Rechaud: D. 8 cm; Coupelles: D. 10 cm; Tasse: H. 5.5 cm This precious vermeil coffee service was made by the Cardeilhac firm, which specializes in pieces combining gold and silver with precious materials such as ivory. On this exceptional service, we note the use (on the handles, feet and grips of certain pieces) of a material imitating jade or tinted ivory, akin to green bakelite, the existence of which was barely discovered at the time. The presence of this material not only reinforces the object's luxurious appearance, but is also a real guarantee of modernity. Established on rue de Rivoli in Paris in 1804 by Antoine Vital Cardeilhac, the House of Cardeilhac called on the services of many artists, including Lucien Bonvallet, and won numerous prizes at the Paris Universal Exhibitions. The management of the company was taken over by Marie Amélie Cardeilhac in 1904, before passing to her two sons. The quality of this object, made for a monarch, is clearly visible in the fine enamel decoration featuring the sultan's monogram (tughra). It is an important testimony to the interest and taste of the Ottoman sovereigns and elite for European taste, embodying modernity and progress.