Pitcher - .950 silver - French silver jug

Important Napoleonic-era French silver 950 solid-silver ewer from France, circa 1798-1809.

Exceptional piece of French metalwork in Empire style, decorated with refined religious and neoclassical motifs. The body features relief mascarons depicting the face of Christ crowned and figures inspired by the sacred iconography of the First French Empire.

The elegant sculptural handle in the shape of a greyhound, an aristocratic symbol widely used during the Napoleonic era, provides a monumental and highly decorative presence.

The piece preserves original French hallmarks:
- French rooster (“coq”)
- and the mark “1”, corresponding to the first title for French silver 950/1000.

These marks were used in France approximately between 1798 and 1809, placing the work squarely in the period of the Consulate and the First Empire of Napoleon I.

This type of ewer could be used for ceremonial wine as well as water on aristocratic tables and prestigious surroundings. The presence of religious iconography also suggests a possible symbolic or ceremonial function linked to the spiritual and classical taste of the early 19th century.

The piece stands out for:
- its great sculptural quality,
- the purity of its Empire forms,
- the fine chiselling work,
- and the extraordinary elegance of its proportions.

Weight: 980 grams.
Measurements:
Height: 30.5 cm.
Length: 15.5 cm.
Width: 10 cm.

In one of the photographs you can see signs of an old restoration at the base of the piece. The restoration is visible up close, but it does not affect the stability, beauty overall, or the aesthetic presence of the ewer.

Due to the piece’s age, it also shows light, normal signs of use and wear, in keeping with its period and authenticity.

It remains a work of great visual impact and high artistic quality.

Condition: good for its age, with a beautiful historical patina.

An important Napoleonic-era collection piece.

The photo is part of the description.