FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025 
Sublime pieces of goldsmithing from the former Louis Victor Puiforcat Collection
O n 28 March, auction house Beaussant Lefèvre & Associés will bring a private collection to auction at the Hôtel Drouot. Assembled by a family of Parisian collectors, it features a refined selection of furniture, decorative arts, and paintings, alongside Asian art pieces and magnificent treasures from the former collection of Louis Victor Puiforcat.
While the name Puiforcat instantly conjures the avant-garde silversmithing of Jean Élisée (1897–1945), a leading figure of the Art Deco movement, his father, Louis Victor (1867–1955), was not only a distinguished collector but also a recognised expert. A passionate connoisseur of silverware, he assembled a landmark collection, now housed at the Louvre Museum thanks to the patronage of the renowned shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos (1909–1996).
This forthcoming sale presents a rare opportunity to acquire objects that embody exceptional craftsmanship. Among the standout pieces is an exquisite silver warming pan, dated 1660. A remarkable wedding gift, it was created by the silversmith Charles Petit.
This forthcoming sale presents a rare opportunity to acquire objects that embody exceptional craftsmanship. Among the standout pieces is an exquisite silver warming pan, dated 1660. A remarkable wedding gift, it was created by the silversmith Charles Petit.
.jpeg)
Its extreme rarity lies primarily in its material—silver. Indeed, most objects of this type were typically made of brass or copper, while silver examples were reserved for the most prestigious clientele. Furthermore, warming pans were among the first items to disappear during the large-scale melting campaigns. This particular piece, in remarkable condition, has retained the full beauty of its openwork decoration featuring fleurs-de-lis, rosettes, and quatrefoils.
Gold and vermeil hold a place of distinction in this sale, with several outstanding pieces. Leading the selection is a rare Parisian gold travel set from the 18th century, estimated at €20,000–30,000, comprising three pouring vessels and a small saucepan. Vermeil also shines with two richly engraved Strasbourg porringers from the renowned Senckeisen silversmithing dynasty—one estimated at €15,000–25,000 (lot 48) and the other at €12,000–15,000 (lot 49). Completing this panorama is a mid-18th-century tulip-shaped beaker by an anonymous maker (lot 51 – €5,000–7,000).
From the 17th century, a remarkable silver baluster-shaped sugar caster by Jean Grégoire, Rennes (1712–1714), stands out, bearing the marital coat of arms of Yves-Joseph de Monti, Comte de Rezé, and Françoise Charrette de la Colinière (lot 59 – €10,000–15,000). Finally, the 19th century is represented by a sumptuous travel set by Martin-Guillaume Biennais (lot 25 – €15,000–20,000).
Gold and vermeil hold a place of distinction in this sale, with several outstanding pieces. Leading the selection is a rare Parisian gold travel set from the 18th century, estimated at €20,000–30,000, comprising three pouring vessels and a small saucepan. Vermeil also shines with two richly engraved Strasbourg porringers from the renowned Senckeisen silversmithing dynasty—one estimated at €15,000–25,000 (lot 48) and the other at €12,000–15,000 (lot 49). Completing this panorama is a mid-18th-century tulip-shaped beaker by an anonymous maker (lot 51 – €5,000–7,000).
From the 17th century, a remarkable silver baluster-shaped sugar caster by Jean Grégoire, Rennes (1712–1714), stands out, bearing the marital coat of arms of Yves-Joseph de Monti, Comte de Rezé, and Françoise Charrette de la Colinière (lot 59 – €10,000–15,000). Finally, the 19th century is represented by a sumptuous travel set by Martin-Guillaume Biennais (lot 25 – €15,000–20,000).
