Acquired by a family member in Germany in the late 1940s,
an antique family heirloom now offered for
an antique family heirloom now offered for
the discriminating buyer and connoisseur of fine art:
a beautiful antique French Christofle Gallia Metal Silverplate
Centerpiece / Jardiniere with SP liner.
(circa 1900 - 1908)
The provenance, or history of this particular heirloom:
At the close of WWII,
in order to avoid widespread black market activities,
the U.S. occupying forces established a controlled "Gray" Barter Market.
Here Germans brought in valuables and received vouchers or points.
The U.S. occupying force members brought in essential items
(cigarettes, coffee, tea, canned meat, and staple food items)
and also received vouchers / points.
Then on a controlled basis, each shopped on the other side of the building.
This is one of several items a member of my family acquired there
in 1947 postwar Frankfurt, Germany,
while living in the wired fenced-in American Forces compound.
It is decorated in a typical Art Nouveau design featuring florals and foliage
with two stylized pierced handles.
The center insert is also silverplate with loop shaped handles.
Marked with very early and rare
a beautiful antique French Christofle Gallia Metal Silverplate
Centerpiece / Jardiniere with SP liner.
(circa 1900 - 1908)
The provenance, or history of this particular heirloom:
At the close of WWII,
in order to avoid widespread black market activities,
the U.S. occupying forces established a controlled "Gray" Barter Market.
Here Germans brought in valuables and received vouchers or points.
The U.S. occupying force members brought in essential items
(cigarettes, coffee, tea, canned meat, and staple food items)
and also received vouchers / points.
Then on a controlled basis, each shopped on the other side of the building.
This is one of several items a member of my family acquired there
in 1947 postwar Frankfurt, Germany,
while living in the wired fenced-in American Forces compound.
It is decorated in a typical Art Nouveau design featuring florals and foliage
with two stylized pierced handles.
The center insert is also silverplate with loop shaped handles.
Marked with very early and rare
Christofle Gallia Metal Goat Head and Gallic Cock marks,
plus the number 4359 under one leg, the letter d under another.
(please see photos below)
plus the number 4359 under one leg, the letter d under another.
(please see photos below)
It is in very good condition, uncleaned with normal wear for it's age,
as even a little bit of original patina removal should be left up to the potential buyer
who may feel the same about any change to the original finish.
Height: 10cm / 3 1/4 in.
Length: 38cm / 15 in.
Width: 16cm / 6 1/4 in.
Weight: 1161gr / 40.9 oz
It would make a wonderful addition to any early Christofle or antique French collection,
or a truly superb centerpiece in any decor.
Thank you for looking,
and please check my other current listings for additional items of interest,
including many antique / vintage one-of-a-kinds.
and please check my other current listings for additional items of interest,
including many antique / vintage one-of-a-kinds.
Item will be shipped via USPS Ground Advantage Mail free to all U.S. addresses only,
as this item is not available for International bids.
Thank you once again for looking,
and please check my other current listings for additional items of interest,
including many antique / vintage one-of-a-kinds.
(thanks to you also Mom)
and please check my other current listings for additional items of interest,
including many antique / vintage one-of-a-kinds.
(thanks to you also Mom)