Important coffee / tea service in white Limoges porcelain by A. Lanternier & Cie, one of the most distinguished manufactories in the city. Founded in 1857 by François Frédéric Lanternier and taken over in 1890 by his son Alfred. The decoration combines a broad band of burnished gold with a fine frieze of palmettes and scrolling foliage, underlined by a gilt fillet. Handles, spouts and lid finials are entirely finished in matte gold, creating a refined contrast with the brilliance of the frieze. The crisp cylindrical forms and geometric ornament place this service at the transition between late classicism and early Art Deco. Composition, 41 pieces: - 12 cups - 12 saucers - 12 dessert plates - 1 covered tea/coffee pot - 1 covered twin-handled sugar bowl - 1 milk jug - 1 large serving platter - 1 gilt metal sugar tongs Mark: circular stamp "LIMOGES - AL - FRANCE", monogram of Alfred Lanternier, applied to the underside of the pieces. Carefully packed, each piece individually wrapped.