Ercuis silver has long been associated with refinement at the table, where dining was as much about ritual as it was about nourishment. In formal settings, the order of forks, knives, and spoons reflected tradition and sophistication, while the quality of silver on display spoke volumes about a host’s taste. Within this world of ceremony, Ercuis silver stood out by creating pieces that combined precision, artistry, and modern French style.
In this week’s blog, we explore Ercuis silver, its origins, its craftsmanship, its most collectible patterns, and why connoisseurs continue to prize it for timeless elegance and design.
History of Ercuis Silver
In a small village north of Paris, Abbé Adrien Céleste Pillon, a parish priest, founded a modest silversmith workshop in 1867 that produced religious artifacts. His goal was to encourage both artistic expression and economic growth in the community. When church authorities raised objections, he turned his focus toward secular silverware and the emerging art of the table. By 1880, the maison had opened its first boutique in Paris.
In 1886, Ercuis partnered with silversmith Georges Maës and adopted the centaur hallmark known as the “poinçon carré,” a symbol that continues to represent the brand today.
The company quickly gained recognition at international exhibitions and secured prestigious commissions. Ercuis France became known for outfitting luxury spaces, from the SS Normandie and SS France to the famed Orient Express. Grand hotels along the French Riviera relied on Ercuis silverware to define their tables, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for refinement.
Craftsmanship of Ercuis Silver
Ercuis silver continues to be produced with the same artisanal precision that built its reputation. Flatware and hollowware often pass through as many as forty-five manual steps, from stamping and smoothing to engraving and polishing. Each piece reflects the maison’s commitment to hand-finishing, a quality that distinguishes Ercuis from mass-market tableware.
While best known for its silver, the company also developed Ercuis stainless steel flatware, catering to modern households and luxury hospitality clients who valued durability alongside elegance. Whether in sterling, silver plate, or stainless steel, Ercuis flatware carries the same sense of balance, proportion, and refinement.
Collectors often study Ercuis silver marks to verify the authenticity of their pieces. The centaur hallmark remains the most important identifier, but variations in marks can also help date pieces and confirm whether they are sterling, plated, or part of a hotel commission.
Patterns of Ercuis Silver
Over its long history, Ercuis silver has impressed with a wide range of designs, from Art Deco-inspired flatware to bold contemporary pieces. The catalog includes elegant neoclassical motifs, sleek modern lines, and playful designs that add colour and texture to the table.
Among the maison’s many patterns, some have become especially admired.
Citeaux
Introduced in 1974, Citeaux quickly became one of Ercuis’s signature designs. Inspired by Gothic architectural lines, it has refined proportions and understated sophistication. Collectors value Citeaux for its versatility and enduring style.
Brantôme
Brantôme reflects Ercuis’s ability to translate historic influences into modern silverware. Its rat-tail ornamentation and ogive-shaped handles echo 17th-century French flatware, but the pattern gained prominence again in the mid-20th century as part of Ercuis’s heritage collection.
Lauriers
Though its exact release date is unknown, Lauriers belongs to the neoclassical revival period of the mid-20th century. Its laurel leaf motif adds a classical note, appealing to those who appreciate history woven into modern tableware.
Miroir Collection
The Miroir Collection represents Ercuis’s innovative side. Introduced in the early 2000s, it showcases guilloché decoration in patterns such as Diamant, Oxford, Eden, and Tolède. The ability to choose finishes in silver, gold, copper, or black makes it one of the most customizable lines in Ercuis’s history.
Arts Décoratifs
Arts Décoratifs is a recent addition to the maison’s offerings. With lacquered handles in bold colours such as Imari Black, Arlequin Orange, and Origami Green Tree, it reflects Ercuis’s ongoing willingness to experiment and bring haute couture inspiration to flatware.
Sequoia
Sequoia is one of Ercuis’s most striking contemporary designs. Created in the late 20th century, it draws inspiration from the strength and elegance of its namesake tree. With clean, sculptural lines, it remains highly sought after among collectors who appreciate bold modern silverware.
Collectibility of Ercuis Silver
Collectors often compare Ercuis Silver to that of other French silversmiths, such as Christofle and Puiforcat. While Christofle is more widely known, and Puiforcat represents the height of French luxury, Ercuis offers a balance of artistry, refinement, and relative rarity. In North America, especially, Ercuis flatware and hollowware are less common, which makes them more appealing to those who want something distinctive.
Market value depends on pattern rarity, condition, and completeness of sets. A full service of Citeaux or Sequoia in excellent condition can command significant prices at auction or through consignment. Pieces with rare finishes, such as coloured lacquer or gold-plated details, also attract strong interest..
Fine Silver at Around the Block
At Around the Block, we are proud to present the top sterling flatware patterns alongside the works of Ercuis, Birks, Barker Bros. Silver Ltd., Christofle, Gorham, Georg Jensen, Mappin & Webb, Puiforcat, and Tiffany & Co.
Whether you are drawn to the understated elegance of Ercuis, the sculptural boldness of Sequoia, or the heritage of Christofle and Tiffany, our showroom offers a constantly evolving selection of premium sterling tableware and flatware. Visit us online or in our showroom to discover your next heirloom and bring home a piece of silver history.
