Odiot Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

This is an extremely rare Belleek cabaret set for two, or "tête-à-tête", made in the Erne series brought out in the 1890s. The items carry the 2nd Black Mark, used between 1891 and 1926. The set consists of a teapot, a milk jug, a sugar bowl, two teacups and saucers, and a large matching tray. This set is very fine and with its restrained cream-white colour it would make a wonderful wedding gift! If you ever thought Belleek fine china looks, sounds and feels unique, you are right. There is a back story to this extraordinarily fine Irish eggshell porcelain, which has an unusually high amount of "frit" and therefore is thinner and finer than any other china. Pottery in Belleek (in the now Northern-Irish area of Fermanagh) had started in 1849 with John Caldwell Bloomfield, who was a wealthy land owner. During the Irish famine he realised that unless he would find a way for his tenants to make a profit off the land, they would starve. Agriculture had become impossible due to the agricultural diseases. This caused millions to starve and more millions to leave. As an amateur mineralogist, John Caldwell Bloomfield realised that his land had exactly the right mineral deposits to be used as clay for porcelain. He involved several investors and scientists and after many years of research, trial, error, the building of a railway line to import coal from England, and building a factory, the Belleek pottery resulted, employing the local people and soon producing the finest china made with clay from the Belleek area. What had started as a way to fend off famine among the local tenants had became a story of incredible success by the 1880s as Queen Victoria fell in love with the fine white china and the many homely, slightly bizarre but nature-loving designs; this was different from English tradition, yet it was very much to the taste of the British who had developed a real love for home-made fine china since it was introduced in the late 18th Century. Belleek not only brought out many tea services, but started a new tradition of intricately woven porcelain baskets. Soon the English nobility started to place big orders and the pottery is still flourishing today and selling its wares the world over, while in England most potteries have long disappeared. Belleek made many cabaret services, often called breakfast services or "tête-à-tête" services; these were used to carry breakfast tea up to the bedroom. Queen Victoria bought one in the Echinus style during a visit to the factory in the 1860s, and ever since Belleek's cabaret services have been in great demand. Nowadays there are very few of these left and it is rare to find a full service like this. The Erne series was named after the river right besides the Belleek factory. This river forms the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with the factory on the Northern Irish end of the bridge at Belleek. The pattern seems to be a play on the baskets and nets of the fishermen who once fished the abundant trout and salmon on the river Erne and the lake that belongs to it. The items carry the second Black Mark, which was used between 1891 and 1926, however the very fine quality of the porcelain indicates that most pieces of the set are more likely to be from the 1890s than from the 20th Century. You will see that the shade of cob lustre is different on each item; this is normal for Belleek tea sets...

This gorgeous set of sterling silver flatware by Towle Silversmiths is up for sale. The design has a Gothic look and with a curved bo...

Round sterling silver tray with scalloped edges resting on scrolled feet. Hallmarked "Eric Viner, Sheffield 1930."

French Art Deco style silver-plated serving tray from Christofle. This small cocktail tray is hallmarked on the reverse. In very good condition, wear consistent with age, materials...

Set of 4 Chinese Export Porcelain Plates with Floral Decoration & Armorial Crest, ca. 1760

A charming period Napoleon III Second Empire (1852-1870) brass accented ebonized wood and crystal French cave à liqueur. France, mid-19th century, an object of practical use as well as beauty, add a touch of sophisticated elegance and refinement to your next dinner party with this scarce antique cave à liqueur (petite liquour caddy), featuring an ebonized wooden box-form case inlaid with brass string banding, the locking case opens by turning the original key to release the latch lock mechanism then gently lifting the hinged top and front panel, revealing a richly figured mahogany fitted interior, housing a lovely assembled etched crystal liqueur service, including a pair of hand blown crystal decanters decorated in elegant flowing fiolate vine etchings with matching stoppers, accompanied by eight stemmed cordial drinking glasses with geometric etching patern; the folding panels can stay in the up/open position when in use or for display, or press the hinge mechanism to close the panels, then you can lock it and remove the key to secure the contents, the case is finished on all sides so it can be placed anywhere in the room, all raised on short turned feet. circa 1860 Dimensions: (approx) Closed: 10" High, 8.25" Wide, 7 7/8" Deep; Open: 15.25" High, 8.25" Wide, 10" Deep; 5.5lbs Total **Additional photos available upon request** CONDITION REPORT: Good antique condition with nicely aged warm worn patina and desirable unrestored original finish. Wear consistent with 160 years of age, use, handling and exposure, including retaining antique character marks and charm throughout, worn distressed original ebony finish, with scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches, rough spots and very minor chippy paint losses. The imperfections not noticeable in most lighting or at most angles, however we went way out of our way to make sure to capture the flaws in the photos to try and be as transparent and upfront as possible. Please be sure to inspect all the photos. Overall a wonderful assembled set, sturdy, stable, structurally sound, all crystal intact with typical wear but no cracks or damage. Overall a wonderful example, with nothing that detracts from the aesthetics or functionality but only adds to the sophisticated elegance, warmth, antique character, classic refinement, and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over very long periods of time! Keywords: cave a liqueur serving set tantalus bar...

Very rare two-colors Christofle rectangular tray. Made with the "Empreinte" technique, created in the late 19th century by Christofle to capture the beauty of nature, allowing to imp...

The Erik 3 Piece Set from Orrefors consists of one decanter and two DOF glasses. A perfect set for all whiskey enthusiasts appreciating modern 70s design dis...

Haviland Limoges cup and saucer set was made of thin, semi-translucent porcelain and hand decorated in delicate gold, dark red, and pale grey pal...

Very nice large and heavy silver plated and Brass serving tray . Decorated Rim and handles with grapes and Flowers . Antique 1880s France

This eighteen piece set of flaware was made by the well known Christian F. Hiese of Denmark in approximately 1905 in the period Arts and Crafts style. This hand hammered set is compo...

French liquor cellar, late 19th century, Napoleon III This cellar is an extremely refined storage box, full of ingenuity. It has a unique and authentic style. It contains four bottl...