This listing is for a great late 18th or early 19th Century French .800 Silver hand made Tastevin (wine taster cup) with snake ring handle. The silver has natural patina and shows signs of hand hammering which makes the taster especially attractive. The snake's body winds around the outside edge of the cup and twists to form the ring handle. The snake's upper body has engraved scales and the smooth lower body ends with a wavy graduated tail.
Silver is hallmarked at tip of tail and on center top of ring handle with French hallmarks. We believe the silver content to be .800/1000. The hallmark is very worn, however, upon high magnification it appears to have a swan inside. When researching this mark we found the following information: The Swan mark was introduced on 1st June 1864, it was used on silver articles imported into France from countries without Customs Conventions. Its use was discontinued on 1st June 1893 as it was now stipulated that all imported gold and silver should comply with the same conditions as that was manufactured in France." It was also stated that the silver item could have been made earlier than this date but this was when it was imported into France.
Measures 7/8" high, 4 7/8" long (including handle) and 3 1/2" in diameter. Weighs 95 grams.
This nice Tastevin is in excellent Estate condition with no noted flaws and reflecting minimal signs of wear.
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