Gustave Keller, Sterling Silver, Paris 1855-1880, Pair Of Hand Candlesticks

Lovely pair of square-shaped hand candlesticks with their detachable bobeches.
They are made of solid silver of the first title 950% and are hallmarked with the French guarantee known as "à la tête de Minerva".
Each of the travel candle holders is engraved with the boutique mark of famous Parisian goldsmith Gustave Keller.
The first owner had his initials engraved in neo-Gothic capitals on the handles: FG.
The Keller house was founded in 1856 by Gustave Keller, whose simple and elegant sets and accessories were immediately appreciated for their quality. He received a gold medal and a silver medal at the Paris Universal Exhibitions of 1867 and 1878. After 1878, his children, the Keller brothers succeeded him and launched into the production of silverware. They were rewarded respectively at the universal exhibitions. of 1889 and 1900 with a gold medal and a Grand Prix.
In 1889, Lucien Falize wrote that “everything is stamped Keller is good” (the company was later known as “Keller son and son-in-law successors”). Established in Paris at 65 rue de Turbigo, Keller moved his boutique and workshop to 22 rue Joubert in 1891. In 1929, the boutique was mentioned as being located at 18 of the very prestigious avenue Matignon and remained active until 1947.
Keller attracts brilliant and international personalities as clients and has been appointed official supplier to several royal and imperial courts (Spain, Russia, Greece and Romania). The Russian Court was an important client and from 1897, the last tsar regularly purchased objects from the Parisian goldsmith. From the 1900s, the company was also responsible for producing several important cups and trophies for the Principality of Monaco.