Large silver coffee pot, Empire, Milan, early 19th century

Large Empire coffee pot in silver, from Milan, early 19th century, in good condition.

This elegant silver Empire coffee pot bears traces of the plow related to the second silver hallmark (800/000), originating from the world with seven trions referring to the Milan Guarantee Office between 1812-1872, as well as silver F.L. related to goldsmith Francesco Liverti under the Cow mark on a round field, documented until 1820 in Milan. 

This ancient coffee pot made of melted, stamped, and engraved silver has an elongated, egg-shaped central body with a monogram AB engraved on it, a distinctly tapered neck, characteristic of Milanese and Lombard coffee makers from the first quarter of the 19th century. It is mounted on a round base, with a beak decorated with a mask and topped with an eagle head. The lid features a chimera-shaped socket. The handle made of ebonized wood is connected to the body with two engraved silver fittings, the upper shaped like a delfin and the lower with phytomorphic motifs. 

It bears the aforementioned marks at the base and neck and weighs 1240 grams gross. 

The mark from 1812-1872 clearly reproduces the cow symbol and is attributed to goldsmith Francesco Liverti. However, no documentation confirming this has been found, and the feature is not included in Milanese deposit records or trademark registrations. It is, however, very plausible because Liverti, born August 14, 1765, in Ambrogio to Laura and Reina, ran a shop at his home in the Bocchetto district, 2534. Francesco Liverti died in 1820, and his business was continued by his widow until 1828. Thanks to this mark, numerous Neoclassical cutlery pieces have been identified, all elegant and well-made… G. Sambonet, Milan 1987, p. 303.

Elegant antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage items that possess a specific character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its early variations include Neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles blend into pseudo styles of Classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century. This period was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance to Roman and Greek decorative motifs.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. The next style is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to shine with splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the past era. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, with cornices, strong bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest furniture. They also drew inspiration from mythology and antiquity, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads – these are common sights especially in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands recreate furniture crafted in this style, drawing inspiration from Italian and French artisans. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that each country perceived furniture making differently, so each style in a given nation had its own distinct character. This is especially important when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of vintage style furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is what matters to the buyer, as the market is flooded with many counterfeit items. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.