Robert Linzeler Prestigious Maker French Sterling Silver Centerpiece in Rococo Style with Original Insert
Robert Linzeler, French 0.950 silver centerpiece in ornate Rococo style with stylized motifs on the 4 feet and around the rim as well as an original, brass insert. It measures 13'' in length by 9'' in width by 5'' in height, weighs 40.7 ozt without the insert, and bears hallmarks as shown.
Robert Linzeler (1872-1941) was the grandson of Eugène Linzeler who had founded his eponymous business in Paris in 1840. In 1897, at just 25 years old, he bought the business of Jules Piault, the renowned silversmith and cutler, from Piault’s successors Leroy & Co. Situated at 68 rue de Turbigo, Piault had been gold and silversmith to Napoleon III and his business had been a successful one. Linzeler exhibited at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris where he was awarded a gold medal for the cutlery he exhibited. During the early years of the 20th century he continued to create beautiful items of silverware and his pieces were often featured in magazines. Linzeler was a supplier for important retailers such as Cartier for whom he made silverware for many years including candlesticks, desk sets, and dressing table accessories. He opened a second workshop at 9 rue d’Argenson and in 1920 opened a shop at number 4, rue de la Paix. It was from here that his partnership with the Russian jeweller Marchak was established in 1922. Styled Linzeler et Marchak the firm produced some exceptional jewels during their three years of operation. They were one of only thirty jewellers to exhibit at the 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. The outstanding quality of their jewellery in terms of design, craftsmanship and technical expertise earned them a Grand Prix and although they dissolved the partnership later that same year, they are remembered for producing some of the most exciting jewels of the Art Deco period. After the partnership ended, Marchak took over the rue de la Paix premises and Linzeler continued to run his business from his other locations for several more years. Cartier remained a client and the firm is believed to have helped support Linzeler in maintaining his workshops during the 1930s until they finally bought the business from him shortly before the outbreak of World War II. Linzeler passed away in 1941.
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