Comptoir Lyon-Alemand Louyot (CLAL) 200g .999+ Fine Silver Poured Bullion Ingot
Coin/Bullion (Investment Ingot) · Comptoir Lyon-Alemand Louyot (CLAL), a prestigious French precious metals refiner formed by the merger of Comptoir Lyon-Alemand and Louyot & Cie. The company has a long-standing reputation for industrial and banking-grade refinement in Paris, France.
Pattern: Standard Vintage Poured Bar Series; non-decorative industrial pattern.
Type
Coin/Bullion (Investment Ingot)
Maker
Comptoir Lyon-Alemand Louyot (CLAL), a prestigious French precious metals refiner formed by the merger of Comptoir Lyon-Alemand and Louyot & Cie. The company has a long-standing reputation for industrial and banking-grade refinement in Paris, France.
Material
Fine Silver (.999+ purity). The bar is composed of 99.9% pure silver, often referred to as 'three nines' fine silver.
Dimensions
Estimated weight: 6.666 Troy Ounces (approx. 207.3 grams). Dimensions: roughly 65mm x 25mm x 15mm. This is a non-standard weight frequently found in older European 'weight-based' fractional bars.
Description
A classic example of European vintage bullion, this CLAL 'loaf' bar represents the industrial heritage of French silver refining. Unlike modern laser-etched bars, this piece carries the character of the foundry, with distinct stamps and a heavy, tactile feel. It is a highly 'stackable' and collectible asset due to the reputation of the Paris refinery.
Key Features
Unique stamp '6.666' weight; rare CLAL circular assay mark; hand-poured aesthetic with visible cooling striations; high purity .9999 silver.
Material & Composition
Fine Silver (.999+ purity). The bar is composed of 99.9% pure silver, often referred to as 'three nines' fine silver.
Finish & Decoration
Natural poured and cooled finish with significant surface abrasions. It features hand-stamped hallmarks and serial numbers. The surface shows 'cooling lines' or 'striations' typical of hand-poured vintage bars.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Includes a circular 'CLAL PARIS' refinery mark, a purity stamp of '999.9', a unique serial number '18435', and a weight stamp of '6.666' (likely troy ounces, approximately 207.3g). There is also a small oval 'cornucopia' hallmark indicating a French state-guaranteed assay/fineness.
Construction Details
Hand-poured into an open mold. The silver was melted and poured, then allowed to cool, creating the rounded edges and uneven surface characteristic of 'loaf' bars. Stamps were applied manually while the metal was cold (die-struck/hand-stamped).
Functional Features
Investment vehicle; intended for wealth storage and industrial material reserve. Smooth, rounded corners for safe handling and stacking.
Handle & Grip Details
None; solid metal bar designed for holding by the body.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial craftsmanship. The alignment of the stamps is manual and slightly irregular, proving its hand-finished nature. The density and 'thud' of the high-purity metal are hallmarks of quality refinement.
Authentication Indicators
Consistent stamp depth; legitimate French refinery marks; cooling ripples on the reverse (implied); weight matches the numerical stamp; unique patina of aged high-purity silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Paris, France. Manufactured by CLAL (Comptoir Lyon-Alemand Louyot) using traditional pyrometallurgical refining processes.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (approx. 1970s–1990s). This type of hand-poured refinery bar was common in European banking before the shift to machine-pressed, standardized bars.
Age Estimate
Circa 1975–1985. The font style of the serial numbers and the specific CLAL logo orientation are consistent with this vintage.
Cultural Significance
Represents the era of 'Hard Asset' investing in Europe during the economic shifts of the late 20th century. CLAL bars were staples in French bank vaults for decades.
Condition Notes
Good-to-Very Good. The bar shows significant 'pocket wear' and surface scratches, which is common for handled bullion. There are no deep gouges or evidence of drilling (which would indicate tampering). Tarnish is low due to handling.
Value Estimate
Spot price of silver + 20-40% collector premium. Factors: Vintage bars from defunct or historic refineries like CLAL carry a 'numismatic' premium over the raw metal price.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish. For bullion, original surface condition (even with scratches) is preferred. Store in a dry, PVC-free environment. Handle with cotton gloves if wishing to prevent skin oil tarnish, though tarnish does not affect melt value.
Similar Pieces
Johnson Matthey 5oz poured bars; Engelhard 10oz 'Loaf' bars; Degussa (German) vintage bars. CLAL bars typically command a higher 'collector premium' than modern generic bars.
Interesting Facts
The weight of 6.666 troy ounces is unusual for modern investors who prefer even numbers (5oz or 10oz), making this a specific 'odd-weight' vintage bar highly sought after by 'stacker' collectors. CLAL was one of the world's leading refiners before being acquired/merged into modern conglomerates.