Antique French Enamel Inlaid Filigree Silver Tray and Flagon by Thomas Joseph Armand-Calliat Circa 1870

Our amazing nineteenth century French silver tray and flagon (wine cruet) in silver, vermeil, enamel and glass by Thomas Joseph Armand-Calliat of Lyon, France, dates from circa 1870.  It features some of the most elaborate and finest enamel inlay and filigree work we have seen in our 24 years in business.

The oval shaped tray is fitted with colored stones and enamelled with rim with four winged beasts representing St Peter, St. John, St. Luke and St. Michael, and centred by a medallion of Christ washing the disciple's feet.  The wine cruet similarly enamelled with entwined grapevine dolphins and snail.

The tray weighs a massive 66 ounces (60 troy ounces, 1203 pennyweight, 1871 grams) and measures 18.25 by 10.25 by 1.25 inches. Ewer measures 9.75 inches tall and is designed to rest securely on one of the two protrusions on the tray.

Possibly a commissioned work for use in Christian (Catholic) ritual, possibly baptism, or very possibly an example of la toilette, the French ritual of cleansing prior to or after meal service, suggesting the second protrusion may have held a small basin for hand-washing.

Each is in good condition. There is a loss to the ewer as shown in our image. Considerable rubbing and polishing wear, but still in very good condition for its age. Tray carries the French large guarantee mark (Minerva in eight-sided cartouche) indicating .950 purity, plus the maker's mark in diamond cartouch which appears to show the capital letters A and C (or G) separated by a design, now worn away.