EXQ ANTIQUE FRENCH STERLING SILVER HOT WATER or TEA POT If you like what you see, be sure to click here to add us to your Favorite Ebay Seller's List. We'll be sending out sale notices and special deals to our 'Favorites' customers. Absolutely exquisite & rare antique French second Empire era sterling silver 9" hot water or tea pot with fantastic figural mascaron spout, lion's paw footed cabriole style legs and superb condition! The French Mercure or Mercury exportation hallmark dates between 1840-1878, during the second reign of Napoleon III. 1st titre (small number '1' in hallmark) designating .950 silver content, higher than the .925 standard for sterling silver. A glorious piece, with masterful detail evident in every aspect, from that stunning figural spout to the large acanthus finial and paw feet! Thick, heavy old French silver, the highest quality in the world and this work a perfect example of why they're most sought after! A museum quality piece! Excellent condition! Two or three tiny dimples on the ovoid body, visible only via the reflection of light. Amazingly, no larger dents, damage or repairs to note (the silver is thick so denting is more difficult). See pictures for measurements. Image & Text Hosting by Ruby Lane Return Policy: We always honor a 3-day return on our items, and guarantee them to be as described. Money back, less shipping costs, which are not refundable, so ask questions if necessary. We're easy to deal with. Shipping and Handling Policy: Our shipping days are Tuesday and Friday, paid items will be shipped on the first shipping day after payment is recieved (except when special circumstances exist). We prefer to use USPS whenever possible, and require all packages to be insured. If you prefer another method of shipment, please mention it. We charge only actual expense of shipment/insurance, except in the case of larger items which must have special wood crates built. Wood crate charge, when applicable, is a flat $30.00 in addition to actual postage & insurance charges. Other Information: 7.75% sales tax applicable for shipments/sales within the state of California, no exceptions. If you are within CA and are a dealer buying for resale, you must provide us your active resale certificate # and acknowledgment of intent to resell or we will have to collect sales tax. No exceptions. Auction Payment Methods: We accept:: PayPal Visa/MC: our shop is a Verified Business account, BidPay.com (Visa, MC, Discover). Credit card payment by online service only, no direct processing. Personal Check, Money Order, See 'Other Information'.