LARGE SILVER CENTERPIECE (950) Christofle goldsmith Of... Lot 10

LARGE SILVER CENTERPIECE (950) Christofle goldsmith Of round, contoured form, standing on two double clog feet surmounted by bull heads and four scrolled feet;adorned on either side with sheep and a ram;in the center a truncated column applied with horns of plenty, surmounted by a shepherd dressed in antique style, holding a staff in one hand and a sheaf of wheat in the other, symbolizing Ceres. Signed CHRISTOFLE C(...) Minerve hallmark H.:57 cm (22 ½ in.) L.:52 cm (20 ½ in.) Gross weight:10 Kg 955 approx. Origin : Sale in Paris, Hôtel Drouot, March 21, 2004, lot 67. An important silver surtout de table, by Christofle, Paris, late 19th century Starting in 1870, the Ministry of Agriculture instituted a competition between France's leading silversmiths to create silver pieces for the winners of agricultural exhibitions. From 1870 onwards, the Ministry of Agriculture instituted a competition between France's leading silversmiths for the creation of silver pieces to reward the winners of agricultural exhibitions.