Important American Sterling Silver salver

Important Historical Sterling Silver Salver – Puiforcat, NATO Presentation to Harlan Cleveland (1965–1969)

This exceptional sterling silver salver is a unique piece of American diplomatic history, crafted by the world-renowned French silversmiths Puiforcat. Of substantial weight and superb quality, the salver was presented by the Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to Harlan Cleveland in recognition of his service as U.S. Ambassador to NATO from 1965–1969.

The salver is engraved with the inscription:

“Le Conseil De L’Atlantique Nord A Monsieur Harlan Cleveland 1965 – 1969”

Beneath the inscription are the facsimile signatures of all NATO council members at the time, making this piece not only a remarkable example of Puiforcat craftsmanship but also an irreplaceable artefact of Cold War-era history.

✨ Key Details

• Maker: Puiforcat (Emile Puiforcat), one of France’s greatest silversmiths

• Period: Presented 1969 for NATO service 1965–1969

• Recipient: Harlan Cleveland (1918–2008), U.S. Ambassador to NATO under President Lyndon B. Johnson

• Weight: 575 g (over half a kilo of solid sterling silver)

• Diameter: 263 mm (10 3/8 inches)

• Marks: French Minerve mark for sterling silver, maker’s mark EP for Emile Puiforcat, and stamped “Puiforcat”

• Condition: Very good – no dents, damage, or repair

About Harlan Cleveland

Harlan Cleveland was a distinguished American diplomat, educator, and author. Beyond his role as U.S. Ambassador to NATO (1965–1969), he served as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs (1961–1965), was President of the University of Hawaii, founding Dean of the University of Minnesota Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, and President of the World Academy of Art and Science.

He authored 12 books, received 22 honorary degrees, and was awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. This salver comes directly from his estate, sold at auction in the United States.

Historical & Collecting Significance

• A unique NATO diplomatic presentation silver salver

• Direct connection to an influential U.S. statesman and intellectual

• Crafted by Puiforcat, France’s premier silversmith of the 20th century

• A rare combination of historical provenance and world-class silver craftsmanship

Why Collect This Piece?

• A one-of-a-kind presentation silver tied to Cold War diplomacy

• Significant work by Jean Puiforcat’s legendary workshop

• Heavy, beautifully crafted, and in excellent condition

• Collectible both as fine French silver and American historical memorabilia

This is an extraordinary opportunity to acquire not just a piece of sterling silver by Puiforcat, but also a rare artefact of U.S. diplomatic history, personally presented to one of America’s most respected post-war ambassadors. here is a link to a published article on this unique salver - click here