Tiffany & Co Figural Chrysanthemum Antique Sterling Silver Coffee Service Designed by Charles T. Grosjean, NYC, c. 1880-85

This is an exceptionally rare after-dinner coffee service by the famous firm of Tiffany & Co. Made from heavy gauge silver, the objects are highly ornamented and beautifully executed.

This stunning service features remarkable designs of chrysanthemums and dense (laurel?) foliage incorporating cherubs at play. The four scrolled feet consist of deep chrysanthemum castings.

The sugar bowl is stunning with figures revelling amongst the foliage and playing instruments. Cast and applied handles join the body with chrysanthemum leaf design. The domed cover is striking with the cascading leaves and petals emanating from a central chrysanthemum bud finial.

The creamer, with its bulbous body, is covered in dense growing foliage against a stippled background. Amongst the backdrop are 5 figural children picking fruit. The everted rim with foliage sides has a wide spout and loop handle terminating with chrysanthemum buds.

Both the sugar bowl and the creamer have beautifully gilt interiors.

The slender coffee pot is a lovely work of art. Graceful curves to the handle and spout accentuate the vertical shape. As with the other pieces, four lovely chrysanthemum feet brace the decorated body. On both sides, three children march along playing horn instruments. The slender upper section of the neck is separated with a horizontal flowing leaf design.

Tiffany's 'Chrysanthemum' pattern is one of the greatest flatware and holloware patterns of all time. Designed by Charles Grosjean and introduced in 1880, it features deep chrysanthemum blossoms in sweeping chrysanthemum foliage. Holloware pieces are quite rare and these pieces with figures incorporated into their design are exceptionally rare.

A service in this design, along with a water pitcher, is pictured in Magnificent Tiffany Silver by John Loring, p.140.

This rare service is marked underneath 'TIFFANY & Co/ 6718 M 4341/ STERLING-SILVER' on all the pieces. The coffee pot measures 9.5 and has beautiful weight at 22.60 troy ounces. The total weight is 44.45 troy ounces The set has never been monogrammed and is in excellent antique condition