With deep colours, scrolls, shells and of course birds, this diner service from Paris in the Napoleon III era is not only fabulous and elegant, but also very rare.
 
Polychromatic French Terre de fer (ironstone) diner services were the preserve of the rich, and this one by the high end company, HB&C .
 
This came from an elegant Parisian Maison and four pieces are available separately.
 
The raviers or small shallow serving dishes are absolutely delightful with their little blue birds fluttering around. They would have been used to serve amuse bouche, hors d'oeuvres or side dishes and were an integral part of a French dinner service and very collectible.
 
One has ore patination than the other from use, both are delightfuly elegant.
 
These ravishing raviers measure 8.75" by 4"