Antique 19thc French Solid Silver Salt And Pepper Mills, Odiot, Paris C.1880
Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom
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Buyer protection
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Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Silver
Style
Antique, African, French Antiques, Campaign
Product Details
Description
Antique 19th Century French solid silver exceptional and highly unusual pair of pepper mills by the celebrated Parisian maker Odiot, executed to an extraordinary standard of craftsmanship and scale. Richly modelled with classical lion mask mounts, garland swags and raised on powerful tripod paw feet, the design combines impressive presence with remarkable ingenuity.
These substantial mills are not only decorative objects of the highest quality, but fully functioning mechanisms. The pepper is ground by inverting the mills and turning the tripod base, an ingenious and robust system which operates smoothly and precisely. Their considerable weight and solid construction immediately convey the quality associated with Odiot’s finest work.
Examples of this form are exceptionally rare. Comparable models are seldom encountered, and pairs rarer still, making this a particularly noteworthy survival. The bold scale and sculptural appearance allow them to stand equally well as functional tableware or as striking decorative objects. Hallmarked French Minerva (950 silver standard), Paris, Makers mark for Odiot.
La Maison Odiot, or House of Odiot was founded in 1690 by Jean-Baptiste Gaspard Odiot, fine silversmith during the reign of Louis XV.
However it was with his grandson, Jean Baptiste Claude Odiot (born in 1763) that the firm reached its peak of notoriety, receiving exceptional commissions from Napoleon’s court and the most important Royal families of the world.
In 1802 the firm participated at the International Exposition de l’Industrie in Paris winning the gold medal. Soon after, Odiot succeeded Henry Auguste as Napoleon’s official silversmith and was commissioned both the sceptre and the sword for his coronation in 1804, two massive dinner services for Napoleon’s mother and sister and one for the Emperor’s campaigns.
Jean Baptiste Claude is certainly the most iconic silversmith of the Empire style, influenced by the return of the classical Greek and Egyptian patterns: his pieces, often silver-gilt, are characterised by neoclassical forms and figural elements, often fixed with rivets and bolts, and not by the classic soldering method.
Jean Baptiste Claude retired in 1823, and his son Charles Nicholas took over the business. By 1825 he was already purveyor of silverware by appointment to His Majesty the King Louis-Philippe and to the Royal Family of Orleans and he started experimenting with electroplating, a technique he imported from England. Charles Nicolas excelled in the Rococo style, featuring shells and scroll motifs, flowers and richly ornate elements.
Charles Nicholas was succeeded by his son Gustave who worked for the firm from 1856 through 1906. He accepted the most majestic commission ever received by the company: 3000 pieces of solid gold flatware for the Viceroy of Egypt, Said Pacha.
The House of Odiot is still active nowadays, counting on an extraordinary long story and heritage and its pieces are displayed in the most important museums of the world such as the Musée du Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - No Damage. Please refer to photographs.
SIZE
Height: 15 cm // 5.91 inches
Width: 9 cm // 3.54 inches
Depth: 9 cm // 3.54 inches
Total Weight: 665 grams
Condition report:
Good. Wear consistent with age and use. In Great Condition - No Damage.
Wear Condition
Good
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Additional Delivery Info from Seller
For both UK and International buyers we offer FREE delivery on all items except for the bulkier interior design pieces like sofas and armchairs, please contact before buying to get a shipping quote.
Estimated delivery time
One to two weeks
Free collection available
Yes
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 11 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
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What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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