François-Alphonse Debain (active 1847-1864) - Salt cellar (2) - .950 silver - Paris ca 1850

Rare pair of double salt cellars in solid silver (.950) – François Alphonse Debain, Paris (1847–1864) – original cobalt blue glass liners. Net silver weight: 340 grams.


Elegant and rare pair of double salt cellars in solid silver (950/1000), crafted by the renowned Parisian silversmith François-Alphonse Debain, founder of the prestigious Maison Debain, active between 1847 and 1864. Each piece features a refined double-bowl structure with richly decorated naturalistic motifs in the neo-Rocaille style, typical of the transition from the July Monarchy and the Second Empire, including vine scrolls and grape clusters, surmounted by a sculptural central handle. The interiors retain their original cobalt blue glass liners, a highly desirable feature often missing in comparable examples.

- Hallmarks

French Minerva 1st standard (950/1000) hallmarks, struck three times on each piece

Maker’s mark of François-Alphonse Debain, struck on both pieces

Paris, towards 1850


- Weight

Net silver weight (that is, excluding glasses): 340 grams


- Condition

Very good overall condition with minor wear consistent with age. Glass liners intact and original. No significant deformation


- Historical note

François-Alphonse Debain is considered one of the most important French silversmiths of the 19th century, renowned for refined craftsmanship and high-quality production for aristocratic clientele