Empire vermeil bouillon or drageoir by Louis-Jacques Berger, 1st rooster mark, Paris 1798–1809

Covered bouillon and its stand in gilt solid silver (vermeil, 950/1000).
In the form of an antique-style cup, it rests on a molded foot decorated with a chased frieze of dart motifs highlighted by a fine bead border. The plain body, molded at the rim, is flanked by two scrolling handles formed of acanthus leaves doubling at the shoulder.
The domed lid is adorned with a delicate frieze of finely chased laurel leaves and berries, surmounted by a band of gadroons. It is topped with a finial featuring attributes of Love, in the form of two doves embracing on a naturalistic base, accompanied by a bow and arrow.
Echoing the lid’s rim, the circular stand is bordered with a frieze of barley grains.
Paris, 1798–1809 – Silversmith: Louis-Jacques Berger, registered in 1800.
Hallmarks (lid, body, foot, and stand):
• Boar’s head with the numeral 1 (Paris guild mark used in 1797 for first standard silver).
• First rooster mark, 1st standard (950/1000 silver, Paris, 1798–1809).
• Paris guarantee mark.
• Maker’s mark: LJB with a vase for Louis-Jacques Berger.
Dimensions:
• Bouillon: H. 16.5 × W. 22 cm
• Stand: D. 21.8 cm
Weight: 932 g
Condition report:
Surface scratches and wear consistent with use. Very well preserved overall. Original vermeil with some wear, while retaining remarkable freshness.
A superb piece with delicate chasing, typical of the work of Louis-Jacques Berger. A very rare example of a sculptural form by this excellent silversmith, known to have supplied pieces for the campaign service of Napoleon I.
The presence of the 1797 Paris guild hallmark suggests production at the very beginning of the Consulate, the piece most likely delivered in the early years of the Empire.
Vermeil objects of this quality, combining symbolic iconography with such refined execution, remain particularly rare for this transitional period. The subject of the finial, with doves and attributes of Love, suggests a presentation piece, possibly for a wedding.

Louis-Jacques Berger
Louis-Jacques Berger was a Parisian silversmith active at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. His mark was registered on 15 Floréal Year V (May 4, 1797). He first worked at 18 Place Thionville, then from 1806 at 2 Rue du Pont-de-Lodi.
Specializing in tableware, he also produced religious silverware, notably chalices of exceptional craftsmanship.
Nine silver beakers by Louis-Jacques Berger are preserved at the Petit Palais. A coffee pot by his hand is held in the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, and a chalice in the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Two beakers from the campaign service of Napoleon I attributed to him are recorded, confirming the prestige of his production within the finest Parisian silversmithing of the early 19th century.