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 associated with the second silver standard (800/000), originating from the world with seven trionis referring to the Customs Office in Milan 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 features an elongated, egg-shaped central body with engraved monogram AB, a clearly 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's head. The lid has a chimera-shaped socket. The handle made of ebonized wood is connected to the body by two hammered 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 depositions or mark reports. It is, however, very likely, as Liverti, born August 14, 1765, to Ambrogio and Laura 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 a growing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage products that have a distinct 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 own 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 20th-century variants include Neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles transition into pseudo styles of Classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

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

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. Next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were chosen selectively 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 historical period. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture-making art. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and solid, using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. They also drew inspiration from mythology and ancient times, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads – these are common motifs especially in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture crafted in this manner, drawing inspiration from Italian or French creators. 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 the perfect exclusive antique for your interior.

The most important aspect of vintage styled furniture is originality. And this is ultimately crucial from the buyer’s perspective, 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.