Fabulous & rare antique French Louis XVIII to Louis-Philippe era 18k gold on sterling silver "vermeil" side handled 22 oz warm milk or chocolate pot with tripod lion's paw feet, turned wood handle and all in wonderful condition! Chocolate pots are rather rare, this may not actually be that as most chocolate pots had a hole in the top, under the finial, where a stirrer could b inserted. Vermeil pots of any kind are very rare, this one gorgeous and with hardly a sign of wear to what is most likely 18k gold plate (the French most often used 18k gold in vermeil pieces). The hallmarks date the piece between 1819-1838, hexagonal shape with figural profile and the tiny number "1" within that mark means it's .950 silver under the gold (95% pure and higher than the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). The silversmith mark appears to read "FC" or "EC" with a bee or insect but I have unfortunately been able to find reference to it yet. A gorgeous piece, don't miss it!
Very good to excellent condition. Hardly a sign of wear or fading to the gold plating. Possibly a tiny dimple or two but I see no dents, damage or repairs to note other that the small oval piece on the front (under the spout). It is possible that the oval was applied later to cover a monogram but also possible that it is just a raised medallion for the purpose of engraving a monogram. See pictures for weight and all measurements.
