Today's purchases

A set of 8 French Old Paris porcelain Napoleon lll period dessert plates, hand painted with fruit and flowers with gold gilt and platinum trim borders decorated by Victor Etienne & Fils of Paris, France, Circa 1850-1870. 

Over the past week I have bought some wonderful 18th & 19th century Old Paris porcelain from ebay, to add to my ever growing collection. Including in these purchases are a fabulous set of Napoleon lll period circa 1850-1870 fancy dessert bowls, each hand painted with fruit and flowers! The burgundy trimmed borders have gold gilt and platinum trim. Each bowl is signed on the back in iron red for the decorating firm of Frenchman Victor Etienne.


The porcelain plates were made in Limoges France.  After 1830 because of pollution The king of the French Louis Philippe band the manufactory of porcelain in the city of Paris. It had to be made outside of the city. After this period most porcelain was made in Limoges, France and painted/decorated in Paris. Like these beautiful bowls. I can't wait to get them and used them at my next dinner or lunch!

The address of this Paris decorating firm is 29 Rue de Paradis. The street is located in the west of 10th arrondissement of Paris ( district of Porte-Saint-Denis ), between the 95 of the Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis and the 64 of the Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière. In 1710 the area was called The Paradise formerly Les Prés of God Daughters was even the site of a garden belonging to the religious community of the Filles-Dieu .

in the 19th century this fashionable Street of Paradis was "the" street of the crystal and china and other earthenware due to the proximity of the Paris-Est station that allowed the transport of materials from the Lorraine particular.

About 1831 Baccarat , the Company of Saint Louis Crystal and two other glass, Choisy-le-Roi and Bercy, moved to this fashionable Parisian street, "Barbier, Launay et Cie" then "Launay Hautin and Co.", located at n o  30 or 30a or 32 of the rue de Paradis-Poissonnière, current street Paradis, distribution of their products.

1850, Baccarat and the Company of Saint Louis Crystal resume only local, which it remains today only the street facade, dated 1832.

The Company of Saint Louis Crystal Place is a deposit 3 as the Baccarat house that also installs a bronze workshop there.

Baccarat house there were 246 employees in 189 .

This building later became the Baccarat museum until 2003 and will host a time the Pinacoteca of Paris from 2003.

According to the historical landmark affixed by the city of Paris was in the xix th  century on the site a post house for "diligence in eastern France."

Each plate has different hand painted Trompe l'oeil fruits & flowers. A nice antique design rolls around the rim. Then there's a gold & platinum border on the edge. All hand painted.

The quality of the handpainted Trompe l'oeil fruit is amazing 

The decorator's mark of Victor Etienne & Fils

Lunch at le château de Hopkins.

The 19th century inspired table setting for my lunch for two. 

Last Sunday I had a friend over for lunch at le château de Hopkins. I have known this person for over 10 years and have sold him fine culinary antiques over the years. Because of this I wanted my table setting to reflect fine 19th century Creole dining of days past! I love decorating and entertaining with elegant antiques.  The lunch not pictured was BBQ chicken, steamed asparagus, homemade coleslaw & mashed potato's.  

A table set for two viewed from the top. 

The 19th century French glassware used starting from the left, a 1840's French Baccarat crystal water glass, A 1830's French Louis Philippe wine glass and a small 1830's Louis Philippe cordial glass. 

The table setting includes a 1830's Old Paris porcelain plate from a dinner service originally belonging to a early 19th century New Orleans Creole family.  The dinner knife is 1820's English Regency carved Mother of pearl. The fork is French Empire fiddle and thread circa 1805. The dessert spoon over the plate is Philadelphia coin silver circa 1830's.  The linen monogrammed napkin is French mid 19th century. The kidney shaped dish is called a bone plate and is French 19th century Baccarat crystal.  The linen tablecloth is turn of the century. 

In the center of the table we have antique roses in a late 18th century Old Paris porcelain Neoclassical vase signed by the Locré factory circa 1780's. 

The desert setting, a Old Paris porcelain dessert plate circa 1830's. The shell shape gilt rim dish is French Baccarat. he dessert spoon over the plate is Philadelphia coin silver circa 1830's. With a 1830's Louis Philippe cordial glass. 

Dessert: Italian lemon ice served with fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint! Washed down with Grand Marnier! 

Today's purchases, a 18th c Old Paris porcelain Gravy Boat.

A late 18th century Old Paris porcelain Gravy Boat w/ Attached Underplate painted with sprigs of garden flowers circa 1780's. 

Yesterday evening I was the lucky winner on ebay for this lovely late 18th century Gravy Boat with Attached Underplate. Handpainted with sprigs of garden flowers and borders trimmed in gold gilt sawtooth. This was a common pattern in late 18th century French porcelain. Even the Sèvres factory made dinner services in the garden flower sprig pattern. Over the years I have collected late 18th century porcelain in this pattern. Finding a large set or any set of porcelain dinnerware from the 18th century is rare and expensive. Piecing together a service in the same pattern in easier and can be cheaper.  This gravy boat was advertised as being by the porcelain factory Locré, but the piece is not signed. Sometimes every piece in a dinner service was not signed.  

   According to Régine Plinval de Guillebon, the author of the book "The porcelains of Paris" The three most important porcelain works in Paris by 1779, were Locré, Rue Thiroux and Clignancourt. They made the same type of objects as the famous (but much more expensive) Sèvres factory: a wide range table and tea wares and useful items such as writing sets, toilet articles and tobacco-related items. A variety of painted and gilded decoration was used from simple floral sprigs to elaborate Etruscan, neo-classical or other fashionable designs. 

The shape of the Grave Boat is Louis XV Rococo 

A fruit and branch handle on the lid 

A 18th century dinner plate in my collection from the Rue Thiroux factory in sprigs of garden flowers pattern. This factory was patronized by French Queen Marie Antoinette. Marked with a crown A. 

In my collection, Four French Louis XVI period antique 18th century Old Paris porcelain ribbed plates, dishes from the Boissettes porcelain factory located outside of Paris in operation from ca. 1778-ca. 1785. The plates are decorated with handpainted garden flowers and gilt dentil border.

Happy May day from le château de Hopkins.

Happy May day from le château de Hopkins.

Spring flowers at le château de Hopkins.

Spring flowers and Old Paris porcelain at le château de Hopkins.

Spring flowers at le château de Hopkins.

Spring flowers in a late 18th century Old Paris porcelain Neoclassical vase signed by the Locré factory on a 1820's English Regency silver tray at le château de Hopkins.

The Locré and Russinger porcelain factory, one of the many which set up in the city of Paris during the final quarter of the 18th century. Jean-Baptiste Locré was a businessman who invested his fortune in building the factory at La Courtille. He invited Laurentius Russinger, a porcelain specialist and sculptor who had worked at the Höchst factory to work there in 1772 and in 1777 appointed him as manager. By the late 1760s the right kind of clay (kaolin) to make glassy Meissen style porcelain, had been discovered in France at Saint-Yrieux, near Limoges. This was used by Russinger to produce a hard-paste porcelain similar to Meissen that could withstand boiling water, which was an important selling point for the factory's wares that they used in their advertisements. The factory also adopted the mark of a pair of crossed flaming torches, reminiscent of Meissen's crossed swords mark. Sometimes known as 'La Courtille' after its location in Paris, the factory is also sometimes referred to as Locré, Russinger and Pouyat - François Pouyat was a porcelain dealer in Limoges who supplied the clay. The factory owed him so much money he became one of its partners and eventually he and his three sons took over.

According to Régine Plinval de Guillebon, this factory ranked among the three most important porcelain works in Paris by 1779, the others being Rue Thiroux and Clignancourt. They made the same type of objects as the famous (but much more expensive) Sèvres factory: a wide range table and tea wares and useful items such as writing sets, toilet articles and tobacco-related items. A variety of painted and gilded decoration was used from simple floral sprigs to elaborate Etruscan, neo-classical or other fashionable designs. The factory excelled in biscuit sculpture, not surprising perhaps as this was Russinger's speciality. They produced many different mythological, allegorical and family groups as well as individual subjects.

Antique shopping in Paris!

I bought this beautiful Neoclassical Old Paris porcelain vase circa 1810-1820 at the Paris market of Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, also known as Clignancourt. The world's biggest flea market welcomes 200,000 visitors each weekend. Displayed in my Paris Apt with fresh Clementines. One side side of the vase is etched gold trophy of Music. 

One of the many reasons I visit Paris so much is the hunt of finding fabulous French Antiques in their natural habitat. During my month long stay from mid Dec 2014-mid Jan 2015 I was lucky to find amazing 18th & 19th century Old Paris porcelain and 1830's-1840's Period Louis Philippe cut glass, both favorites of mine. My favorite market in the world is Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves. It is a weekend market with over 350 stalls to look at of fabulous antique furniture, trinkets, paintings, fabric, glassware, timepieces, jewelry, military objects, photography, music, and curios. In the heart of Paris. 

I also like to shop at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen also known as Clignancourt. The world's biggest flea market welcomes 200,000 visitors each weekend. You name it, this place has it. Antique and modern furniture, pictures, new and second-hand clothes — all at rock-bottom prices (especially if you're adept at haggling) and some antiques at not so great a deal. There's a jovial fairground atmosphere, with the aroma of food wafting in the air and people crowding round the stalls, hoping to pick up a 1970s leather jacket or rare Louis XV chest of drawers. Over the years I have come to make friends with some of the many small little antique shops that dot Paris. I love stopping by to see what new items dealers got in since my last visit. This is a photograph tour of my antique hunts during this time in France as well as some pricy window shopping, enjoy! 

Dinner I made in my Paris apt served in a 18th century Paris porcelain plate purchased at Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves. The 1830's Louis Philippe wine glass purchased from a shop in Paris. 

The other side of the vase shows Cupid (Latin Cupido, meaning "desire") is the god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection, sitting on his mother's lap love goddess Venus as they float on a cloud. He is enjoying a glass of Ambrosia, Nectar of the gods, his mother Venus just poured for him. 

 I saw these amazing large Old Paris porcelain vases at the Paris market of Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, also known as Clignancourt. Thank goodness the shop was closed, I'm sure they are asking $20,000 or more for the pair. They are just amazing with the horse handles. 

Note the fine gold gilt work, matt and bright gold and finely molded horse heads! 

The Neoclassical paintings on the vases were amazing! 

Some of my favorite Period Louis Philippe Champagne glasses circa 1830-1840's. 

These Period Louis Philippe Champagne glasses were located in a Paris Antiques shop. They were some of the first antiques I bought on this trip. 

Even Though the shop owner had lot's of sets they were all sold buy the piece. 

Napoleon lll period cut glass.  

Small Louis Philippe cordial glasses 11 euros each. I waited to long to make up my mind about these. On my next visit to the store they were gone. 

My first visit to the shop I decided on these two. The Champagne on the left is 1820's Baccarat. 

I later came back and bought 4 of these beautiful Small Louis Philippe cordial glasses! 

Vueve Clicquot never taste as good as from a a 1830's Louis Philippe cute glass flute. In the background is a 1820's Charles X period Neoclassical gold leafed framed engraving of La vierge aux raisins (The Virgin of the Grapes) after Pierre Mignard, 1640, purchased at Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves. 

3 vermeil (gold plated silver) Charles X period 1820's cream spoons made by a Paris woman silversmith. I was sorry I did not buy these at the Paris market of Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, also known as Clignancourt.

Note the beautiful Neoclassical engraved shield design and monogram on the handle.  

Window shopping at Clignancourt. 

Window shopping at Clignancourt. 

This shop had everything to build and furnish a château.

I love this mantel Marble and gold gilt ormolu 

The French know how to design. 

Window shopping at Clignancourt. 

At the Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves I bought these fabulous 4 French Louis XVI 18th century Old Paris porcelain plates signed Boissettes. Displayed on the 18th century terracotta hexagon tile floor of my apt. 

Four French Louis XVI period antique 18th century Old Paris porcelain ribbed plates, dishes from the Boissettes porcelain factory located outside of Paris in operation from ca. 1778-ca. 1785. The plates are decorated with handpainted garden flowers and gilt dentil border.

These are wonderful examples of 18th century French porcelain.

The signed "B" in underglaze blue for the Boissettes porcelain factory.

One of my favorite items I bought on this trip was 6 Paris porcelain plates used by American dignitaries & Emperor Napoleon lll

Paris porcelain plates with shield of America/American eagle with Emperor Napoleon lll eagle on each plate. The American eagle with a red, white, and blue banner reading "E Pluribus Unum", the national motto. I purchased the plates in Paris market of Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, also known as Clignancourt.  I was told by the Clingnancourt dealer that the plates were used at a dinner in Paris in the late 1840's with American dignitaries & French Emperor Napoleon lll. 

Each plate has a different floral arrangement hand painted in the center of each plate. 

The American eagle with a red, white, and blue banner reading "E Pluribus Unum", the national motto.

Emperor Napoleon lll imperial eagle on each plate. 

I was shocked to find out the price of this large circa 1820's 1830's French restoration period vase in perfect condition. I could afford it. I did not ask for a discount on the price but the dealer offered it to me at a cheaper price then she quoted. I had to run off to the atm to get the money.  

The other side of this amazing Old Paris porcelain vase shows a mother in a garden holding her baby. Now proudly displayed at le château de Hopkins.

I bought this lovely 18th century Paris porcelain plate at the Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves.

I also but this cut and etched glass urn at the Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves. 

I love the cut and etched grape and grape leaf design in the Classical vase. 

I have a smaller version of this vase with the same design and shape at home, purchased at a estate sale in New Orleans. 

At the Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves I found these rare late 18th century Old Paris porcelain gold and white can shaped cups, The one to the left is the smallest I have seen almost miniature and the one to the right the larges I have seen these. It is bigger than a modern day coffee cup. 

Side profiles! 

I bought this beautiful Louis Philippe period portico clock at my favorite Paris market, the Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves. 

I bought this lovely large Old Paris porcelain cup at the Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves. When I googled the name the only thing that came up was a 19th century Creole that owned property in the French Quarter. I was happy to bring it back home. 

The side of the cup is beautifully painted with flowers! 

I bought this nice early 19th century Italian scene decorated Old Paris porcelain dish at Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves

My favorite dessert in France, Tarte au Citron. 

New Years eve 2014. A little desert and Vueve Clicquot before going to the New Year's Eve video displayed on the Arc de Triomphe. 

When it was all said and done I shipped 6 boxes full of fabulous 18th & 19th century French Old Paris porcelain home as well as Louis Philippe glassware! What kind of antiques do you like to buy when you go traveling? 

All photo's below are from window shopping in Antiques shops across from the Louvre museum. You need to be a millionaire to buy most of this stuff.  

Paris window shopping 

Paris window shopping 

Paris window shopping 

Antinous as Osiris, the original was found in the ruins of Hadrian's villa during the 18th century. 

Antinous as Osiris, the original was found in the ruins of Hadrian's villa during the 18th century. 

Antinous as Osiris, the original was found in the ruins of Hadrian's villa during the 18th century. 

Ancient Egyptian sculpture anyone?

You can check out my antiques and art for sale on my square account. 

https://squareup.com/store/andrew-hopkins 

https://squareup.com/store/andrew-hopkins