Antique Silver French Tastevin Sommelier's Cup with 1652 One Ecu Coin, c. 1850

Description

19th Century France Tastevin Sommelier's Cup, circa 1850.
This very fine example of a French Wine Tasting Cup will enchant the discerning wine enthusiast or collector.
The remarkable Silver lustre of this piece indicates Paris 1st quality purity of 95% silver content, higher than Sterling.
The interior is deliberately hammered into dimples to catch the color and viscosity of the wine being sampled.
This shows that this particular cup was intended for sampling Red wine; White wine cups used grooves rather than dimples.
The bowl of the cup is graced with a One Ecu Silver coin from 1652, minted during the reign of Louis XIV, The Sun King.
The piece is certainly not as old as the coin, as these coins were widespread in the the 19th century, and coins often were used to decorate the bowls of higher quality pieces in this category.
The handle is fashioned into the head and tail of a serpent, with the loop in the center of the snake's body forming the handle grip.
The Snake motif was used on Tastevins as an allusion to Bacchus, the god of wine, often depicted with serpents around his arms.
The handle is slightly curved to gracefully accept the thumb and forefinger of its user.
The cup would most likely have have been worn on a chain around the neck of a Sommelier.
The antique condition shows this was a working tool, used often but well cared for.
There are no significant scratches or dings.  Just typical tiny scratches and pitting.
The hallmarks show a typical French diamond shaped punch Maker's mark, and the vestiges of the Paris Minerva Head 95% purity mark to the left of the maker's mark.
The marks have been worn down over time by repeated polishing of the higher purity, softer silver metal.
Very close scrutiny of the maker's mark shows an "A" over a Bird with a "B" or "R" or "P" below.
The purity mark dates this piece to sometime after 1838.
A unique and delightful object.
86 grams, 3.0 ounces.
11.5 cm x 8.5 cm x 2.5 cm
4 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 1"