A rare sterling repousse 5 piece tea service, by Haussman & Son., New Orleans, c.1890-93. A wonderful sterling tea service decorated with the finest repousse-work I have seen in a long time. The floral assortment and decoration is quite unique, similar, but far superior, to the usual Baltimore variety.
There is no doubt that it was made by a Baltimore silversmith but by whom will be very objective.
The condition is extremely good. The detail to the decoration is amazingly crisp for the age.
T. Hausmann & Son were a well established firm of goldsmiths and silversmiths that had been operating in New Orleans since it was founded by Henry Hausmann in around 1877.
Henry Hausmann originally worked for Adolphe Himmel and then took over the business after the latter's death in 1877. Upon his death in 1878 his widow, Theresa, continued to run the business under his name, H. Hausmann, until 1880.
In 1881 the name of the company was changed to T. Hausmann, and in 1890, until 1893, it became T. Hausmann & Son when her eldest son, Louis, was admitted.
Soon after the company was absorbed by Hyde & Goodrich, also of New Orleans.. This is a reflection of the success and reputation that the "old-line' establishment enjoyed.
Stamped T. Hausmann & Son, Sterling and the cartouche is engraved with the crest of an eagle with a chevron and star.
Dimensions: Coffee pot 8.5" tall. Total weight 74 Troy oz.