French Second Empire Sterling Silver Beaker (Timballe) by Claude Doutre-Roussel
Hollowware - Drinking Vessel (Beaker/Timballe) · Claude Doutre-Roussel, a prominent Parisian silversmith active at 1 Galerie de Valois, Palais Royal during the mid-19th century. Known for high-quality domestic silver and tableware for the upper class.
Pattern: Faceted Paneled Pattern with Bright-Cut Floral Engraving; standard production for mid-1800s French domestic silver.
Type
Hollowware - Drinking Vessel (Beaker/Timballe)
Maker
Claude Doutre-Roussel, a prominent Parisian silversmith active at 1 Galerie de Valois, Palais Royal during the mid-19th century. Known for high-quality domestic silver and tableware for the upper class.
Material
First Standard French Sterling Silver (.950 purity). This is a higher silver content than British Sterling (.925) or American Sterling.
Dimensions
Estimated height of 7.5-8.5 cm (3 inches) with a diameter of 6.5 cm. Estimated weight: 65-90 grams (2.1-2.9 troy oz).
Description
This exquisite French 'timballe' or beaker represents the height of 19th-century Parisian dining culture. Crafted from .950 silver, it features a series of elegant concave panels, each meticulously engraved with floral sprays and geometric hatching. The piece transitions from a flat, stamped base to a wider flared lip, showcasing the ductility of high-purity silver. Such pieces were commonly gifted for christenings or used as personal drinking vessels within affluent households, often displayed as part of a gentleman's dressing or dining suite.
Key Features
950 purity silver (Minerva 1st standard); Claude Doutre-Roussel lozenge maker's mark; bright-cut engraving; paneled construction; substantial thumb-print facets.
Material & Composition
First Standard French Sterling Silver (.950 purity). This is a higher silver content than British Sterling (.925) or American Sterling.
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with bright-cut engraving and engine-turned details. The body features octagonal/concave panels with scrolled foliate cartouches and cross-hatched backgrounds. Style is a blend of Louis-Philippe and Second Empire Neoclassicism.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A diamond-shaped maker's mark (lozenge) is visible on the base containing 'CDR' and a device (symbol). The Minerva 1st Standard mark (profile head of Minerva in a rectangle with clipped corners) is typically found on the rim, indicating a .950 silver purity.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and spun from a single silver sheet. The foot and rim are reinforced by rolling or applied moldings. The panels are formed by planishing or hammer-staking over a shaped mandrel.
Functional Features
Tapered cylindrical form with a slightly flared rim for comfortable drinking. The broad, flat base provides stability, and the paneled sides offer a better grip than a smooth cylinder.
Handle & Grip Details
Handleless design; the paneled/faceted exterior acts as a tactile grip surface to prevent slipping.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality bright-cutting (cutting into the metal to create light-reflecting facets) and precise symmetry in the paneling. The base shows evidence of hammer finishing and mark striking typical of a professional Parisian workshop.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of a diamond-shaped lozenge on the base is characteristic of French silver law. The depth and crispness of the CDR mark and the style of the engraving are consistent with mid-19th century workshop practices.
Origin & Manufacturing
Paris, France. Manufactured in the Doutre-Roussel workshop, adhering to the strict French guarantee system where items are tested for parity by the state assay office.
Era & Period
French Second Empire (c. 1852-1870). Indicators include the specific style of engraving and the shape of the maker's lozenge, which aligns with Napoleon III-era design aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1860. The maker was prominently active around the mid-19th century, and the decorative motifs are characteristic of this decade.
Cultural Significance
Represents the French tradition of individual drinking vessels during a time when silver was the primary indicator of status and hygiene. It reflects the industrial-era evolution of hand-crafted artisan goods in Paris.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible surface scratches and minor scuffs consistent with age and cleaning. No major dents or significant warping of the rim. The hallmarks are clear and well-struck. Interior shows light tarnish patina.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Factors include the reputable maker's mark, the .950 silver purity, and the relative scarcity of undamaged paneled examples compared to plain ones.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash with mild soap; polish only with high-quality creams like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid automatic dishwashers. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Beakers (more minimalist, .925 silver); Christofle Silver Plate Beakers (cheaper, lacking hallmarks); George III English Beakers (usually plain or gadrooned without faceting).
Interesting Facts
In France, silver beakers like this were frequently given as 'Cadeaux de Baptême' (Christening gifts). Claude Doutre-Roussel was part of a lineage of silversmiths who operated in the prestigious Palais Royal district, the center of Parisian luxury trade.