Sterling repousse tea service, New Orleans, LA, c.1890.

A wonderful sterling tea service decorated with the finest repousse-work I have seen in a long time. The floral assortment and detail is quite unique, similar, but far, far superior, to the usual Baltimore variety. The condition is also quite amazing. The edges of the leaves and petals are so sharp you could almost cut your finger on them. It probably explains why the previous owner only got as far as polishing the coffee pot ! I gave a cursory polish with a pair of silver gloves and they kept snagging. I cannot give you much information on the maker, T. Haussman & Son, except that they were operating in New Orleans around 1890-1893, and whose founding father was born in New Orleans in 1845. Stamped T. Haussman & Son, Sterling and the cartouche is engraved with the crest of an eagle with a chevron and star. Dimensions: Coffee pot 8.5" tall. Total weight 74 Troy oz.