LARGE SILVER CENTREPIECE (950) Christofle goldsmith Round with contours, standing on two double clog feet surmounted by bull heads and four scrolled feet; decorated on each side with sheep and a ram; in the centre a truncated column applied with horns of plenty, surmounted by a shepherd dressed in antique style, holding in one hand a staff and in the other a sheaf of wheat, symbolising Ceres. Signed CHRISTOFLE C(...) Minerve hallmark H. 57 cm (22 ½ in.) L. : 52 cm (20 ½ in.) Gross weight : 10 Kg 955 approx. Origin : Sale in Paris, Hôtel Drouot, 21 March 2004, lot 67. An important silver surtout de table, by Christofle, Paris, late 19th century From 1870 onwards, the Ministry of Agriculture instituted a competition between the greatest French silversmiths to create silver pieces to reward the winners of agricultural exhibitions. From 1870 onwards, the Ministry of Agriculture set up a competition between France's leading silversmiths to create silver pieces for the winners of agricultural exhibitions.