French Rococo Revival Sterling Silver Coffee Cup and Saucer
Tea/Coffee Service (Individual Cup and Saucer) · French Provincial Silversmith (likely identified by a diamond-shaped lozenge mark); reputation for fine hand-chasing and elaborate Rococo revival styles common in late 19th-century France.
Pattern: Foliate Repoussé and Chased scroll pattern, reflecting the 'Second Empire' or 'Third Republic' aesthetic.
Type
Tea/Coffee Service (Individual Cup and Saucer)
Maker
French Provincial Silversmith (likely identified by a diamond-shaped lozenge mark); reputation for fine hand-chasing and elaborate Rococo revival styles common in late 19th-century France.
Material
800 or 950 Sterling Silver (Standard French Minerva Mark); solid silver construction without base metals.
Dimensions
Cup: approx. 6.5cm height; Saucer: 12cm diameter. Combined estimated weight: 150-200 grams.
Description
This exquisite French silver cup and saucer set embodies the transition from Romanticism to the more ornate Rococo Revival. The cup features a lobed, gadrooned base that rises into a body delicately engraved with flowing vines. The handle is a masterpiece of casting, showcasing sculptural scrolls typical of high-end French hollowware of the 19th century.
Key Features
Characteristic French 'gadrooning' (lobing), elaborate cast scroll handle, and the deep-well saucer with radial chasing.
Material & Composition
800 or 950 Sterling Silver (Standard French Minerva Mark); solid silver construction without base metals.
Finish & Decoration
Highly decorative with repoussé gadrooning on the lower body and foot, hand-chased floral and leaf vine engraving on the upper bowl, and a mirror-polished interior.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely displays the French 'Minerva' head (1st or 2nd titre) in a truncated square or octagonal frame, and a diamond-shaped maker's lozenge mark.
Construction Details
The bowl is likely raised from a flat sheet and joined to a cast, ornate handle. The gadrooning is achieved via repoussé (punching from the inside).
Functional Features
Deep saucer for spill prevention and a flared rim for comfortable sipping; heat-radiating surface area intended for espresso or strong coffee.
Handle & Grip Details
Cast silver ornate scroll handle with thumb-rest (spur) for ergonomic grip; soldered at two points to the body of the cup.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of manual chasing rather than machine stamping is visible in the slight variations of the floral designs on the cup and saucer.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic French handle casting quality, diamond-shaped maker's punch (visible on the rim), and hand-chasing depth consistent with 1800s tooling.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, likely a Parisian workshop or a major provincial center like Lyon, following the strict Guild hallmarking traditions.
Era & Period
French Rococo Revival (Second Empire to Early Third Republic, late 19th century).
Age Estimate
Circa 1870-1890 based on the handle style and the specific style of the floral chasing.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal French 'Café Culture' of the late 19th century where presentation was as important as the beverage itself.
Condition Notes
Overall Very Good. Significant tarnish visible (dark sulfide deposits) which can be professionally polished. No obvious dents or structural repairs visible in images.
Value Estimate
$350 - $600 USD depending on the specific maker's mark and the final weight of the silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cloth to avoid scratching the high-polish areas. Store in Pacific silver cloth to prevent rapid tarnishing.
Similar Pieces
Christofle 'Perles' (more neoclassical), or English Victorian sets (usually heavier with different handle joints).
Interesting Facts
French silver sets like this were often given as wedding gifts or 'baptismal' silver for children of the aristocracy.