French 1st Standard (.950) Sterling Silver Beaker (Timbale), Mid-19th Century
Hollowware (Beaker / Timbale / Tumbler Cup) · French Provincial or Parisian Silversmith; the specific maker's diamond (lozenge) mark is partially visible but worn. French silver from this era is renowned for the high 'First Standard' purity of .950, which exceeds the British sterling standard of .925.
Pattern: Traditional French Timbale (Classic Cylindrical Flare)
Type
Hollowware (Beaker / Timbale / Tumbler Cup)
Maker
French Provincial or Parisian Silversmith; the specific maker's diamond (lozenge) mark is partially visible but worn. French silver from this era is renowned for the high 'First Standard' purity of .950, which exceeds the British sterling standard of .925.
Material
Sterling Silver (.950 purity), confirmed by the Minerva 1st Standard hallmark. Solid silver construction throughout with no base metals.
Dimensions
Typically 7-9 cm in height and 6.5-8 cm in diameter at the rim. Estimated weight between 60 to 100 grams (1.9 to 3.2 troy ounces).
Description
A quintessential example of French domestic silver, this .950 sterling beaker (timbale) showcases the elegant simplicity of mid-19th-century hollowware. The vessel features a gently tapering cylindrical body and a hand-engraved 'tremblant' border, a hallmark of mid-century French metalwork. Its high silver content gives it a warm, white luster characteristic of the first standard.
Key Features
Minerva 1er Titre hallmark (.950 purity), hand-engraved zigzag 'tremblant' decoration, and a hand-rolled top rim.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.950 purity), confirmed by the Minerva 1st Standard hallmark. Solid silver construction throughout with no base metals.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-polished surface with visible hand-engraved zigzag or 'tremblant' patterns. The design features a neoclassical aesthetic with a rolled rim (jonc) for structural rigidity and lip comfort.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The most prominent mark is the French Minerva Head No. 1 in an octagonal frame, indicating .950 silver purity (1er Titre). The '1' is located in the top right corner within the clip-cornered frame. Traces of a maker's lozenge mark are visible at the bottom of the frame.
Construction Details
Raised and spun construction. The body shows evidence of being raised from a flat sheet of silver, as seen by the subtle surface undulations and the thickness of the rolled rim.
Functional Features
Traditional drinking vessel designed for wine or water; the slightly flared lip allows for an easy pour while the weighted bottom provides stability.
Handle & Grip Details
Handle-less design (Timbale). The grip is provided by the tactile engraved surface which prevents the cup from slipping from the hand.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality hand-finishing is evident in the engraving and the seamless join of the rolled rim. The thickness of the silver indicates a sturdy, well-made utilitarian object.
Authentication Indicators
The Minerva head hallmark is authentic in shape and profile, showing appropriate wear. The engraving is hand-cut (not machine-stamped), evidenced by the slight irregularities in the zigzag pattern.
Origin & Manufacturing
France (likely Paris or a major regional center like Lyon or Bordeaux). Manufacture followed the strict guild standards of the French assay system.
Era & Period
Restoration / Louis-Philippe Period (c. 1838–1848). This is determined by the specific style of the Minerva hallmark introduced in 1838.
Age Estimate
Circa 1840–1860, based on the crispness of the Minerva 1st Standard punch and the traditional engraving style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the bourgeois values of the French 'July Monarchy' period, where silver items were both functional household tools and stores of tangible wealth.
Condition Notes
Surface shows moderate tarnishing and fine micro-scratches consistent with age. There is significant 'scuffing' or 'pitting' visible near the hallmark. Overall Condition: Good.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD depending on the clarity of the maker's mark and the presence of any dents.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth; use high-quality silver cream like Wright's for tarnish. Avoid chemical dips as they can remove the desirable patina in the engraving.
Similar Pieces
Christofle silver-plated timbales (lighter, no Minerva mark) or contemporary 18th-century 'Ecuelle' cups (more ornate, different hallmarks).
Interesting Facts
In France, these beakers were often given as 'Baptismal' gifts (Cadeau de Baptême) and were intended for lifelong use by the recipient.