Help with Makers Mark!

[ellen324]

Hi

I recently found this french .950 silver set - an escargot set? But I can't find anything on the makers mark. Can anyone hlep with the maker, an approx date and whether this actually is an escargot set?

Thanks In Advance,
Ellen

[2209patrick]

Jean Despres (1889-1980), Paris.



Pat.

[ellen324]

Thanks for the VERY quick reply, Patrick!

[admin]

Hi,
Worth a mention that Despres is one of the most respected silversmiths/designers of the Art Deco & Moderne periods. Beautiful pieces.
Regards, Tom

[ellen324]

Hi Tom

Yes, although there's surprisingly little about on him online, I discovered who he was with a search after Patrick gave me the makers name.

Thanks - yes they are beautiful pieces. I've never seen anything like them...

Thanks again to you both for your help.

Regards,
Ellen

[ellen324]

Forgot to ad that this is, without question, the best silver site online. I belong to a PAY site that pales in comparison (to put it mildly). Thanks for all your fabulous work & help...

Ellen

[admin]

Thanks,
That is nice to hear. Glad to be of help.
Tom

[Bahner]

Hello, if You don’t find info on the net, try oldfashioned printed matters: 1) M. Gabardi “Jean Després. Maestro orafo”. Published in Italy in 1999 by Idea Books (contains on pages 168 seq. pics of a dozen more cutlery patterns, not Your’s, I’m afraid) . 2) P. Guegan “Jean Despres 1889 - 1980”. Paris, 2006. Best wishes, Bahner

[LeoC2]

Hello all. I was doing some research on the internet about a Despres piece I have and I ran across this site. Some of you may find this interesting... I lived in Paris in the late 60's on Rue de la Tremoille right above Jean Despres' shop. I got to know him pretty well when he was in town and did odd jobs for him at his shop, sweeping up, running errands, making deliveries, mostly translating for English and American clients. As a poor college student the few Francs he paid me came in handy. He was a bit eccentric and you knew it if he liked you or not... God help you if he didn't! Well when I left Paris in 1970 he took me and my girlfriend out to dinner with his family and gave me a candelabra/bowl set I had always admired as a going away gift.

[admin]

Hi,
Thanks for sharing that, it is always nice to hear something of the human side of the makers we admire.

Regards, Tom

[Waylander]

Hi Leo

Thanks for the story - the human side of silver is also appreciated

Cheers

Waylander