Antique Samovar in Solid Silver by André Aucog. France, 1887-1911

Superb antique solid-silver samovar by André Aucog, made in France between 1887 and 1911 and in strikingly good condition. This delicate and original silversmiths piece stands out for its stylish design, hand-engraved decoration and functional quality. The spout is in working order and makes it possible to serve both hot and cold drinks. If we turn the samovar upside down, we will see the signature of A.AUCOG engraved at the base with a silversmiths mark containing the image of a rooster. This article bears more hallmarks in other parts including the mark of antique French silver, the profile of Minerva goddess. The water heater bears these contrasts too; the marks guarantee the origin and quality of the silver the pieces are made of. The samovar boasts an elegant design that reveals the influence of two decorative schools which prevailed in those times (late 19th century): neoclassicism and modernism. The central body of this piece stands on four slim curved legs decorated with art-deco-style engraved motifs. The legs stand on ivory pieces and the heaters handle is made of this material too. At the bottom of the samovars body we can see the spout that let the user serve the drinks. The spout is shaped as a gargoyle and mounts a dark wooden tap. On the other hand, at the top of this piece we can see two airy symmetrical volutes that act as handles and have a decorative role. The samovar bears a delicate and stylish hand-engraved decoration composed of symmetrical motifs with different depths. The bottom part of the piece bears no decoration at all and provides the design with a fine balanced quality. This gorgeous antique solid-silver samovar in working order is a really charming piece, a first-class article with an imposing piece. Measurements: Height: 17.2 in / 43 cm. Width: 10 in / 25 cm. Weight: 2.730 g. Capacity: 3 l.