Napkin ring - .950 silver - Alphonse Debain, Paris (1883-1911) - Napkin ring
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€ 45
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Selected by Inés Fernández
Specialised in Spanish and Portuguese silver with over 10 years in galleries and auctions.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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 Bidder 5328 | €45 | |
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Antique French silver napkin ring (950 Silver) by Alphonse Debain, Paris, dating to 1850–1900, with a hand-engraved dragonfly and rose motif in a Japonisme style and an engraved monogram, in excellent condition; dimensions 5 cm wide, 3.5 cm high, 5 cm deep; weight 34 g.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Antique French Silver Napkin Ring by Alphonse Debain
General Description
This is an exquisite French silver napkin ring from the late 19th Century (Belle Époque period). It is designed in the Japonisme style, which was highly influential in French decorative arts between 1880 and 1900.
Design & Artistry
Motif: The ring features a fine hand-engraved scene of a dragonfly in flight approaching a flowering rose bush.
Symbolism: In the Art Nouveau era, the dragonfly symbolized lightness, transformation, and the beauty of nature.
Technique: Exceptional detail is visible in the dragonfly’s wings and the texture of the rose leaves. It also features an elegant engraved monogram (likely "AM" or "M") in a stylized script.
Hallmarks & Origin
The item bears two critical French hallmarks that verify its authenticity and high quality:
Minerva's Head (1st Standard): Located in an octagonal frame, this indicates 950/1000 silver (95% pure silver). This is a higher grade than standard Sterling silver (92.5%).
Maker's Mark (Alphonse Debain): A lozenge-shaped stamp with the letters "A" and "D" separated by a Stork (cigogne).
Maker: Alphonse Debain, a prestigious Parisian silversmith.
Active: Registered in 1883 at 79 rue de Quincampoix, Paris.
Reputation: Debain was a world-class silversmith whose works were exhibited at the Paris World Fairs.
Antique French Silver Napkin Ring by Alphonse Debain
General Description
This is an exquisite French silver napkin ring from the late 19th Century (Belle Époque period). It is designed in the Japonisme style, which was highly influential in French decorative arts between 1880 and 1900.
Design & Artistry
Motif: The ring features a fine hand-engraved scene of a dragonfly in flight approaching a flowering rose bush.
Symbolism: In the Art Nouveau era, the dragonfly symbolized lightness, transformation, and the beauty of nature.
Technique: Exceptional detail is visible in the dragonfly’s wings and the texture of the rose leaves. It also features an elegant engraved monogram (likely "AM" or "M") in a stylized script.
Hallmarks & Origin
The item bears two critical French hallmarks that verify its authenticity and high quality:
Minerva's Head (1st Standard): Located in an octagonal frame, this indicates 950/1000 silver (95% pure silver). This is a higher grade than standard Sterling silver (92.5%).
Maker's Mark (Alphonse Debain): A lozenge-shaped stamp with the letters "A" and "D" separated by a Stork (cigogne).
Maker: Alphonse Debain, a prestigious Parisian silversmith.
Active: Registered in 1883 at 79 rue de Quincampoix, Paris.
Reputation: Debain was a world-class silversmith whose works were exhibited at the Paris World Fairs.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Gross weight
34 g
Silver type
.950 silver
Title additional information
Alphonse Debain, Paris (1883-1911) - Napkin ring
Country of Origin
France
Material
Silver
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
3.5 cm
Width
5 cm
Depth
5 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
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