A Gorgeous Antique French Silver and Cobalt Crystal Sugar Casket by ‘Maitre Orfèvre’ Léon LAPAR. The silver framework, which holds the cobalt blue crystal, is delicately cut away to reveal the darker colour enhancing the whole effect and outlining the lovely carvings. The Décor and shape is typical of the earlier Louis XVI style. On the four sides of the casket we have the same floral décor of oak leaves, grapes and pomegranates topped by an acanthus leaf, which surrounds a centre medallion monogrammed with the letters BGD, topped by a Count’s Crown. The details on the leaves and fruits are beautiful and the photos you will see barely make it justice! The four registers are separated by acanthus leaves decorated pillars, while the upper register of the bowl shows a delicate tulips garland or chute. The piece rests on four little feet’s carved out of the same acanthus design. The lid is decorated with geometric gadroons and topped by a beautifully detailed Wild Strawberry leaves and fruits. The handles are decorated with acanthus leaves. The size of the bowl makes it ideal to either be used as a sugar bowl or serve as a condiment bowl, or even to showcase flowers. The cobalt crystal interior is original to the piece and in perfect condition. This lovely piece though quite delicate is in superb condition. The Hallmark is Minerve 1 -1st title (950/1000)- 1838 to 1919 – Paris The Makers Mark is for Leon LAPAR Sr (Successor) to Louis BEGUIN, who registered his own mark On February 12th 1878 and cancelled it on July 5th 1897. His Mark shows his three initials topping a silversmith’s chisel and his fully spelled name followed by the ‘sr’ initials and the name of his predecessor. He took over Louis BEGUIN’s workshop at 16 rue de Choiseul then moved to number 25 Rue de Choiseul.