Silver Hip Flask by Keller

A spectacular silver hip flask made by Keller of Paris, circa 1920, with exceptional engraved decorative finish. The body of the flask is topped with a cork lined stopper that is on a hinged bayonet closer.

Dimensions: 15.5 cm/6⅛ inches (height) x 8 cm/3⅛ inches (width) x 2.5 cm/1 inches (thick).

Keller was founded in 1856 by Gustave Keller. He was awarded a gold and a silver medal at the 1867 and 1878 Paris World Exhibitions. After 1878, the Keller brothers succeeded him and started producing silverware, which was rewarded at the 1889 and 1900 world fairs respectively, with a gold medal and a Grand Prix. In 1889, Lucien Falize wrote that "everything stamped Keller is good" (the firm was later known as "Keller fils et gendre successeurs").

Established in Paris at 65 rue de Turbigo, Keller moved their shop and workshop to 22 rue Joubert in 1891. In 1929, the shop was mentioned as trading from 18 Avenue Matignon and was still active possibly as late as 1947.

Keller attracted important international customers and was appointed official supplier of several courts (Spain, Russia, Greece and Romania). The Russian Court was an important client and from 1897, the last Tsar regularly purchased artifacts from the Parisian silversmith. From the 1900s the firm was also commissioned to produce several important cups and trophies for the Principality of Monaco.