Goldsmiths & Curiosities

With a growing number of auctions, the Silverware and Curiosities department is expanding.

Originating in Europe during the Renaissance, the cabinet of curiosities was a place where collected objects were piled up and displayed, with a certain taste for eclecticism and novelty. Reflecting this universe, our auctions entitled “Le Cabinet d’Amateur” (The Amateur’s Cabinet) consist of a fine selection of numismatics, silverware, and curiosities.

These auctions feature numerous high-quality silverware pieces from all periods and styles of French and European silversmithing history. Chalices, cutlery sets, candlesticks, and tasting cups from the 18th century, refreshment coolers… These objects belonging to the realm of decorative arts bear the hallmark and/or signature of the greatest silversmiths such as Puiforcat, Christofle, Ercuis, Telge, Duguay, Falize, Auguste, Fannière, Odiot, Thomas-Germain, Duvivier, Roëttiers, Froment-Meurice, Cahier, Besnier, Van Cauwenbergh, Biennais, Ballin, Fabergé, Ovchinnikov, Aucoc…

Let’s not forget that silverware also includes Ottoman or Russian productions, such as this beautiful and significant icon of Christ Pantocrator with its magnificent enamelled silver “rizza” that collectors competed for, reaching around €16,500.

Numismatics has shown remarkable results, especially during the auction of a Lyon collection comprising about 144 gold coins from the 2nd to the 20th century, selling above its high estimate for a total auction amount of €83,200.

Curiosities sales seek to recreate the universe of an amateur’s cabinet through different realms such as sciences and techniques, as well as entertainment, like this rare set of printed papier-mâché handheld screens dating from the 18th century, which exchanged hands for €14,000.

Good to know: Our Silverware & Curiosities department organizes one auction per year in Paris.

Our specialist is available to appraise your objects and provide you with professional expertise and advice for selling or investing. Discover our sales calendar and our offices.

The house possesses a unique communication power and provides sellers with modern and targeted tools for effective international exposure. We pay particular attention to the production of the sales catalog, whether in print or entirely digital format, both in terms of design and content. During our campaigns, we mobilize buyers from our portfolio in all specialties and identify potential buyers. We communicate with them through various channels: online and offline advertisements, social media, email marketing, media, influencers, and auction platforms, using tailored and high-quality materials: images, text, and videos.