LAPPARRA & GABRIEL in Paris – Sterling silver and vermeil strawberry spoon or scoop

Superb strawberry spoon in solid silver and vermeil by the silversmiths LAPPARRA & GABRIEL (81 g).
The Louis XVI style silver handle is decorated with fillets on the stem, terminating at the bowl with delicate acanthus leaves, echoed at the base and clasp. The bowl is finely chased with a laurel frieze and adorned in its center with the monogram BG in Gothic script.
The shell-shaped bowl is made of solid silver gilded with fine gold. This motif, characteristic of strawberry spoons introduced in the 19th century, is inspired by neoclassical models and illustrates here the great mastery of chasing and gilding.

Hallmarks:

Minerva 1st standard.
Silversmith: LG, a rat for LAPPARRA & GABRIEL.

Dimensions:

Length: 21.6 cm

Width: 8.6 cm

Net weight: 81 grams

Condition report: Superb condition. The remarkable fineness of the chasing, the richness of the vermeil, and the beautiful thickness of the silver, characteristic of high-quality pieces, are particularly noteworthy.

With its classic design, this strawberry spoon impresses with its harmonious proportions and precise execution, revealing the distinctive expertise of the LAPPARRA & GABRIEL firm.

LAPPARRA & GABRIEL
The LAPPARRA firm was founded in 1893 by Antoine LAPPARRA, a renowned silversmith active in Paris, who worked for several princely families of Europe as well as for the leading jewelers of the Place Vendôme. Initially located at 3 rue de la Perle, he registered his maker's mark on April 19, 1895, before moving his workshop to 157 rue du Temple, in the goldsmiths' district.

In 1902, the company adopted the name LAPPARRA & GABRIEL, at the same address. Their lozenge-shaped mark, bearing the letters L G separated by a rat, was registered on August 12, 1902. It remained in use until December 26, 1926, when it was deregistered following the takeover of the business by Henri LAPPARRA, Antoine's nephew.

In the same year, Henri registered his own hallmark, H L accompanied by a rat, and continued production until the company was acquired by the Souche brothers in 1960. The LAPPARA & GABRIEL firm is distinguished by its high-quality tableware, including cutlery, serving pieces, and refined accessories, in a style that is both understated and elegant, characterized by exemplary finishes. It is among the most renowned Parisian silversmiths of the turn of the 20th century, regularly exhibiting at major decorative arts events of its time.

Sources: Archives of the Paris Guarantee; TARDY, Dictionary of French Master Silversmiths' Hallmarks; LAPPARA archives.

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