LARGE SILVER CENTERPIECE (950) Christofle goldsmith Of round, contoured form, standing on two double clog feet surmounted by bull heads and four scrolled feet;adorned on either side with sheep and a ram;in the center a truncated column applied with horns of plenty, surmounted by a shepherd dressed in antique style, holding a staff in one hand and a sheaf of wheat in the other, symbolizing Ceres. Signed CHRISTOFLE C(...) Minerve hallmark H.:57 cm (22 ½ in.) L.:52 cm (20 ½ in.) Gross weight:10 Kg 955 approx. Origin : Sale in Paris, Hôtel Drouot, March 21, 2004, lot 67. An important silver surtout de table, by Christofle, Paris, late 19th century Starting in 1870, the Ministry of Agriculture instituted a competition between France's leading silversmiths to create silver pieces for the winners of agricultural exhibitions. From 1870 onwards, the Ministry of Agriculture instituted a competition between France's leading silversmiths for the creation of silver pieces to reward the winners of agricultural exhibitions.