French Second Standard Silver Tumbler or Timbale
Hollowware (Tumbler / Beaker / Timbale) · Likely a French provincial or Parisian manufacturer; requires mark inspection for specific maker identification. French silver is renowned for its high quality and strict assay standards.
Pattern: Classic Empire or Restauration style plain rim pattern; non-specific utility design typical of 19th-century French domestic silver.
Type
Hollowware (Tumbler / Beaker / Timbale)
Maker
Likely a French provincial or Parisian manufacturer; requires mark inspection for specific maker identification. French silver is renowned for its high quality and strict assay standards.
Material
Likely 800 Silver (French Second Standard) or Silver Plate (EPNS). The yellowish tint visible near the rim suggests either vermeil (gold wash) or base metal exposure (brass/copper) beneath worn plating.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 8-10 cm (3-4 inches); Diameter: 6-7 cm. Estimated weight: 80-120 grams if solid 800 silver.
Description
This French silver timbale represents a classic example of continental domestic silver. Its elegant, unadorned silhouette is accented only by minimalist linear moldings, emphasizing the luster of the metal. Often given as christening gifts or used as part of a campaign set, these tumblers are prized for their durability and timeless Neoclassical proportions.
Key Features
Tapered cylindrical body, reeded rim molding, gilt interior (vermeil), and high-quality lathe finishing.
Material & Composition
Likely 800 Silver (French Second Standard) or Silver Plate (EPNS). The yellowish tint visible near the rim suggests either vermeil (gold wash) or base metal exposure (brass/copper) beneath worn plating.
Finish & Decoration
Polished surface with simple reeded or molded bands at the rim. Features a subtle 'timbale' form with a slightly flared lip and a gilt interior (vermeil) intended to prevent the silver from interacting with acidic beverages.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the underside of the base or near the outer rim. For French silver, look for the 'Minerva Head' mark in a cartouche with a '2' (indicates .800 purity) and a lozenge-shaped maker's mark.
Construction Details
Likely raised from a flat sheet of silver and finished on a lathe (spun). The rim is reinforced with a soldered molded band to provide structural integrity and a smoother drinking surface.
Functional Features
Liquid vessel for water or wine; features a wide stable base and a gilt interior specifically designed to resist oxidation and metallic taste.
Handle & Grip Details
Handle-less design (tumbler style). The tapered body provides a natural ergonomic grip for the hand.
Craftsmanship Details
Solid construction with clean solder lines at the rim. The even thickness of the walls suggests a skilled silversmith used a combination of hand-raising and spinning.
Authentication Indicators
Authentication requires finding the Minerva head mark. The wear patterns on the rim are the primary indicator of whether the piece is solid silver or silver plate (if base metal is exposed).
Origin & Manufacturing
France; manufacturing likely centered in Paris or a major provincial city like Lyon or Marseille, following traditional French silversmithing techniques.
Era & Period
Likely 19th Century, ranging from the Napoleonic Empire period (1804-1815) to the Restauration or Louis-Philippe era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1830-1880 based on the profile of the molding and the presence of what appears to be worn vermeil on the interior lip.
Cultural Significance
Represents the middle-class aspiration of the 19th century to own silver for daily dining, reflecting status and hygiene standards of the time.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy tarnish (sulfide deposits) and surface scratches. There is significant 'bleeding' near the rim where the silver appears worn, potentially indicating a plated piece or worn vermeil.
Value Estimate
$50 - $100 if silver plate; $150 - $300 if solid 800 silver with verifiable French hallmarks.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver foam or cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive scouring. If the interior is vermeil, do not use silver dip as it will strip the thin gold layer.
Similar Pieces
Christofle silver-plated tumblers (which would be heavier and marked with a square/scale mark) or English Georgian beakers (which usually have a more pronounced flare and different hallmarks).
Interesting Facts
In French culture, such cups (timbales) were frequently given to children by godparents as a lasting 'nest egg' and a functional heirloom for life.