French Second Empire Sterling Silver Beaker (Tastevin or Goblet)
Hollowware (Beaker/Drinking Vessel) · Unknown French Silversmith; the piece bears the official 'Minerva' mark used throughout France for luxury silver production.
Pattern: Traditional Repoussé Shell and Flute Pattern
Type
Hollowware (Beaker/Drinking Vessel)
Maker
Unknown French Silversmith; the piece bears the official 'Minerva' mark used throughout France for luxury silver production.
Material
Sterling Silver (.950 or .800 purity). French silver standards typically utilize .950 for the 1st standard and .800 for the 2nd standard.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 6-8 cm; Diameter: 5-7 cm. Estimated weight: 60-120 grams depending on thickness.
Description
A classic example of French ecclesiastical or domestic silver, this beaker showcases the mastery of metal manipulation through repoussé work. The high-relief fluting creates a play of light and shadow, typical of the sophisticated dining silver produced during the mid-to-late 19th century in France.
Key Features
Distinct Minerva hallmark struck prominently near the rim; deep repoussé fluting; high-purity silver composition; hand-chased texture inside the grooves.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.950 or .800 purity). French silver standards typically utilize .950 for the 1st standard and .800 for the 2nd standard.
Finish & Decoration
Repoussé and chased decoration featuring vertical fluting and scalloped shell-like rims. The interior appears to have light oxidation/tarnish with a mirror-polished rim. Style is Neoclassical with Second Empire influence.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Contains a profile mark in a clipped-corner rectangle, consistent with the 'Minerva Head' (Tête de Minerve) mark. The number '1' or '2' within the mark designates either .950 or .800 fineness.
Construction Details
Raised and hand-chased. The visible indentation of the hallmark near the rim indicates the piece was struck against an anvil after forming.
Functional Features
Tapered cylindrical body for drinking or wine tasting. The fluted texture provides an ergonomic grip and structural rigidity to the thin silver walls.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a handleless beaker/cup design.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of hand-tooling is visible in the irregular texture of the fluting intervals. The hallmark was struck with enough force to slightly distort the rim, a common trait in authentic period silver.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark shows the correct 'strike' profile for mid-18th/19th-century French silver. The wear pattern on the raised fluting is consistent with natural handling over a century.
Origin & Manufacturing
France (likely Paris or a major regional center). The hallmarking system is strictly controlled by the French state to guarantee purity.
Era & Period
French Second Empire / Late 19th Century (c. 1850-1880). Stylistic indicators include the specific profile of the Minerva mark and the rigid repetition of the fluting.
Age Estimate
Circa 1860-1890 based on the hallmark shape and decorative style.
Cultural Significance
Beakers like this were frequently given as christening gifts (timbale) or used in French viniculture for assessing the clarity and color of wine during tasting sessions.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible moderate tarnish (sulfide patina) in the crevices which highlights the design. Some minor surface scratches consistent with age. No evidence of thinning or restorative solder.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Value varies based on the specific maker's mark (if identified) and the exact gram weight.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm water and mild soap first. Use a non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's) only on the highlights to maintain the beautiful character-adding tarnish in the deep recesses.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Repoussé cups (more floral); English Georgian Beakers (usually plain or bright-cut; use different hallmarks).
Interesting Facts
The Minerva mark was introduced in 1838 and remains one of the world's most trusted silver standards. French silver of this period often had a higher silver content (.950) than English Sterling (.925).