HOT WATER FOUNTAIN or SAMOVAR silver. PARIS, G. BOI[...] perhaps G. BOIN, ap. 1838 (Minerve). With large torsoed ribs, the base decorated with rocaille, standing on three high curved feet with leafy attachments decorated with flowering falls. Three circular wooden skids. Dolphin-shaped faucet topped by a stylized palmette-shaped wooden handle. Lid with curved projection with twisted sides, decorated with rocaille and surmounted by a moved catch. Two scrolled handles in wood with leafy attachments. CHRISTOFLE silver-plated metal stove. Height 47 cm; Width 23 cm; Gross weight 2243 g.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.