It's believed this particular 'Surtout de Table' was an assembled set by Christofle during the late 19th Century and early 20th Century. The jardiniere belongs to the “Louis XV, oak and laurel, two children” model. It appeared in the 1902 catalog, where it was sold on a mirrored tray. A piece of this model was exhibited at the 1900 Universal Exhibition. The mirrored trays form a three-part set with Louis XV contours and leaves. These pieces do not appear in the catalog, but an archive document dates the model to the 1880-1890s. The candelabra are attributed to Louis Carrier-Belleuse (for the putti design) and Léon Mallet (for the composition). This candelabra model was presented at the 1889 Universal Exhibition, but with a different set. The catalog of Christofle works for this exhibition refers to a Louis XV-style set comprising “two candelabra with acrobatic children” (p. 49). The model of these fruit bowls was presented at the 1889 Universal Exhibition. The catalog of Christofle works for this exhibition mentions a “Louis XV-style surtout with decorative figures” (p.49), designed by Léon Mallet, with figures by Mathurin Moreau.
Literature: The above information regarding this suite came to us via communications with the current Heritage Manager for Christofle Paris.
Measurements:
Candelabra - 78cm H x 26cm W (Base) x 42cm W (Top)
Glass topped tazzas/compotes - 18cm H x 17cm W (Base) x 26cm W (Glass Top)
Large central plateau - 81cm L x 56cm W x 8cm H
Small flanking plateaus - 36cm L x 47cm W x 8cm H (Each)
Central jardiniere - 70cm L x 34cm W x 17cm H