Important Silversmiths – Maison Aucoc
20th Century pair of French seven-light candelabra, cast in the Louis XVI style, shaped-scircular reeded bases with acanthus leaves, baluster stem embellished with applied buds, the leaf-embellished branches, complete of all drip-pans, sconces and removable nozzles, the tall central urn embellished with cast drape, fitted with the original flame-shaped snuffer.
Hallmarked French silver (Minerva's head, 950), Paris, year 1890-1900, Maker's mark for A. AUCOC.
Andre' Aucoc was one of the most celebrated Parisian goldsmiths and jewellers of the 19th century, along with Odiot, Christofle and few others. The firm was founded in the 1830's and its works were shown at French national exhibitions in 1827, 1839 and 1844. Aucoc was also present at the Great World Exhibition in London in 1851, where they won a Prize Medal. Andre' succeeded to his father in 1887, and died in Paris in 1911. This exceptionally fine and heavy candelabra are a fine example of the importance and relevance of the firm in the late 19th century.
Reference Number: A3584
Although the firm Maison Aucoc was founded in 1877, its tradition comes from farther back, with Jean-Baptiste Casimir Aucoc, who started working in Paris in 1821 as a silversmith specialising in dressing and travelling cases. Aucoc participated to the French national exhibitions in 1827, 1839 and 1844. In 1851 he won a prize Medal at the Great World Exhibition in London.
In 1854 Casimir was succeeded by his son Louis who expanded the business obtaining royal appointments to King Louis Philippe I and Napoleon III.
Louis’ son, Louis junior, assumed the leadership of the business after his father’s retirement in the mid 1870s. In 1877 he purchased the jewellery firm Lobjois, changing its name to Maison Aucoc. The firm focused on Art Nouveau jewellery until 1900, when André (1856 - 1911), Louis’ younger brother, took over the company focusing again on silverware.
André died in Paris in 1911, and the company survived within the family until 1932, when even his brother Louis died.