A Monumental Pair of French Silver-plated Urns, Christofle, Paris, 1864-65

each with divided interior and central cylinder for heating or cooling, and a pair of leaf-chased spigits, boldly engraved with foliate script initials CF, forked handles wrapped with leaves and flowers, the cover with flower spray finial, each stamped with maker's mark, name Christofle and numbered 508839 and 508840

Matarazzo Collection, Brazil

Christofle Catalogue, 1883, Illus. 1111

slight loss of plating on shoulders of one, also rubbing at edges of the the same; the other one with minor creases to cover
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

These urns, called "grandes fontaines", are described in the Christofle Tarif-Album of 1883 as:
Louis XVI, very large with two compartments and two taps, with an internal cylinder in which one may place ice to cool, or coal to heat the water, containing 110 liters.

The price of each urn was 3600 francs, apparently the most expensive single item listed in the Christofle catalogues of the period.

We would like to thank Anne Gros, curator at the Christofle Museum, for her assistance with these and following lots from that firm.