Pair 19th Century French Parcel Gilt Miniature Salts Maison Aucoc

A fine quality pair of late 19th century French parcel gilt miniature Salts with detachable liners, the oval pierced frames with flared bases and attached suspension rings, the gilded liners with twisted wire handles and engraved coats of arms of the Balliod family.

By Maison Aucoc, Paris, c1880.

The Baillods (or Baillot) family is an ancient Swiss bourgeois family originating from the Canton of Neuchâtel, with historical records in areas like Gorgier and St. Aubin. A notable recorded armorial bearing for this lineage belongs to the Napoleonic Baron Jean-Pierre Baillod (1771–1853).

Brothers Louie and Andre were born into a family of renowned gold and silversmiths who had first set up business in 1821.

Their father had taken over the running of the business, situated in the Rue de la Paix, in 1854 and had expanded it to focus more on jewellery, both gem-set and artistic. Louis assumed management of the firm during the 1870s and it was at this point that the future Art Nouveau master Rene Lalique apprenticed with the firm for two years from 1876-8. When he was 27 Louis purchased the established firm of Lobjois and consolidated the businesses under the name La Masion Aucoc. He soon built a reputation as a jeweller and craftsman of high regard; the quality of craftsmanship was exemplary. The firm participated in many of the major international exhibitions where their work was greatly admired. Contemporary Henri Vever referred to him as being as talented in gem-set as artistic jewellery, he has created exquisite pieces..." and also acknowledged the part his "admirable personal qualities" had played in his success.

£415.00