French silver teapot - Paris mid-19th century, mark of FRANÇOIS-DÉSIRÉ FROMENT-MEURICE (1801 – 1855)

truncated cone shape embossed and chased with Gothic-Orientalist motifs, loop handle with athermic spacers, hinged lid with pinecone fastening. Hallmarked with post 1838 French hallmarks in use in Paris for 950/1000 silver, silversmith François-Désiré Froment-Meurice (Parigi, 31 gennaio 1801 – Parigi, 17 febbraio 1855).
Froment-Meurice, among the most renowned silversmiths of mid-nineteenth-century Paris, was a historicist whose work embraced medieval, Renaissance, and Islamic styles, which he charged with an abundance of sculptural ornament.  Some of the numerous awards received include: 1839, Silver Medal at Exposition des produits de l’Industrie Nationale; 1844, Gold Medal at the industrial exhibition in Paris for Gothic inspired items; 1849, Gold Medal at the 11th industrial exhibition; 1851, Council Medal (highest honor) London World Exhibition. Queen Victoria buys for her personal collection.
Height x base diameter: 17.5 x 15.5 cm. Weight: 728 g.
Item condition grading:: ***** excellent.