Wine Tasters

Collector's Advisory — Spurious Dates, False Hallmarks, 20th Century Fakes

BEWARE of Sellers calling everything STERLING or SILVER or SOLID Silver without HALLMARKS or, just some obscure unidentified 'Marks'. A Coin inset into a Wine Taster does NOT Date the Wine Taster, only the Coin. The infamous Marc Parrod from Dijon France used his Hallmarks to fake dates by engraving spurious dates to make pieces appear older. Parrod was a 20th Century Silversmith. Ask Questions — 'Silver' almost always has Hallmarks, which are the object's DNA. You must ask Questions and Buyers are entitled to know all of the Hallmarks. Please eMail me if you have any Questions.

Scottish Sterling Silver — Edinburgh 1983 — James Ness & Son — Scottish Coat of Arms

Scottish Sterling Silver pair of 'QUAICHES' fully Hallmarked + Scottish 'Coat of Arms'. Hallmarked, Assay Office, Edinburgh & 'I' for 1983 by the Scottish Silversmiths, 'James Ness & Son'. The Pair, handmade in fine fully and clearly Hallmarked, Scottish Sterling Silver. Single Malt or Whatever Aged Scotch Whisky is imbibed in these, has to taste better. In the epitome of simplicity, the Design, the Model is bold and sober and in keeping with the Whisky. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY of each is good, considering their Age and Use, apart from a dent on 1 base and surface scratches.

Made 6 years before the French Revolution — .958 Silver — 120 grams — Serpent Handle

A Rare and beautifully executed Tastevin, handmade and fully Hallmarked in the finest .958/1000 Century French Silver, finer than both English Sterling .925 and French Minerve .950. Poinçons, Fermier Généraux 18th Century France Hallmarks including Hallmark for Paris, 1779. Dimensions: Large and Heavy, diameter of the Bowl 8.5 cm and Weighing approximately a heavy 120 grams. One finds a great many 19th Century Examples but, rarely one before the 1789 French Revolution as the Silver and Gold was melted down during the Revolution. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional considering its age, nearly 240 years young.

Unusual Unique Design — Souche-Pappara, 157 rue du Temple — 108 grams

An unusual and unique design, heavy, sober Wine Taster, handmade in the finest .950 French Silver (finer than English Sterling). A Rare example from an important, well known and much sought after Paris France Silversmith, initials 'S.F.', Souche-Pappara whose Workshop was located at 157, rue du Temple, Paris 3rd Arrondisement. Very heavy gauge French .950 quality Silver, approx. 108 grams. Dimensions: The diameter of the large Bowl, itself without the Thumb Rest/Handle is about 9.0 cm. Provenance: Jean-Marc Dulong, leading Wine Merchant of Bordeaux, France. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are all, simply exceptional.

Rare choice of 4 — 3 inset with French Silver Coins — Maître Orfèvre Marc Parrod (1877-1944)

4 Rare examples from an important, well known and much sought after French Silversmith from his Dijon workshop. Each is clearly Hallmarked for Paris, France with the Minerve Head #1 and the Silversmith's Hallmark. Each is Unique, one-of-a-kind, heavy gauge .950 French Silver, handmade, designed and engraved in the finest French Sterling Silver. 3 have French .950 Sterling Silver Coins Inset by the Silversmith. Each is a 'Work of Art' by an Artist who is a talented Silversmith. Note: This Silversmith is often mistakenly called 'Parrot' by Sellers on eBay. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY of each, is exceptional.

130 grams — Inset with 18th Century French Silver Ecu Coin — Serpent Handle

A masculine, 130 grams heavy, sober Wine Taster, handmade in fine .925 Hallmarked, English Sterling Silver. A Rare example from important, well known and much sought after English Silversmiths, Daniel & John Wellby, from their Workshop on Garrick Street, London. Inset by the Silversmith is an Ecu, an 18th Century French Silver Coin. Fully, clearly Hallmarked for London, Lion Passant & 'N' for 1928. When you hold this Wine Taster, you know that you are holding a substantial piece of Sterling Silver. English Examples are much harder to find. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional.

19th Century — Each Unique — Makers include Puiforcat, Henin & Cie, Eugene Caron

6 French .950 quality Silver Wine Tasters each fully Hallmarked and each with a Silver Coin inset into the bottom. Each is clearly Hallmarked and the quality of the work on each is remarkably beautiful. #6 has a 5 Francs .950 French Sterling Silver Coin 1875 by Henin & Cie; #2 has a 5 Francs 1869 Coin by Eugene Caron; #3 has an 18th Century Silver Ecu Coin Dated 1780 by Puiforcat Paris; #4 has an 18th Century 5 Francs Silver Coin Dated 1846. CONDITION WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY of each is simply outstanding.

By Ravinet d'Enfert, 83 rue du Temple, Paris — 75 grams

A masculine, heavy, sober Wine Taster, handmade in finest .950 French solid Silver (finer than English Sterling). A Rare example from an important, well known and much sought after Paris France Silversmith, Ravinet d'Enfert whose Workshop was located at 83, rue du Temple in the 3rd Paris Arrondisement. Very heavy gauge French .950 quality Silver, approx. 75 grams. Dimensions: The diameter of the Bowl, itself without the Thumb Rest/Handle is about 8.5 cm. Hermès Paris France used this Model for its Wine Tasters. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional.

Rare choice of 4 — 1 inset with French Silver Coin — Maître Orfèvre Emile Puiforcat

4 Rare examples from an important, well known and much sought after French Silversmith from the Paris workshop. Each is clearly Hallmarked for Paris, France with the Minerve Head #1 and the Silversmith's Hallmark. Each is Unique, one-of-a-kind, heavy gauge .950 French Silver, handmade, designed and engraved in the finest French Sterling Silver. 1 has a French .950 Sterling Silver Coin Inset by the Silversmith. Each is a 'Work of Art' by an Artist who is a talented Silversmith. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY of each, is exceptional.

By Louis Roux, Orléans — Created 40 years before French Revolution — .958 Silver — 122 grams

An exceptional, rare, important Handmade Wine Taster by one of France's finest 18th Century Silversmiths, ROUX who worked for the Duke of Orléans, the King of France who was executed after the 1789 French Revolution. It is clearly hallmarked 4 times with 18th Century French Sterling .950, finer than English Sterling. Silver from Orléans is more rare than from Paris and finding something created 40 years before the Revolution is incredible since such a large amount of Silver was destroyed. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are Exceptional, considering its Age and its Use.

Adolphe Boulenger, Paris — 115 grams — 4 French Silver Hallmarks

A Magnificent & Rare example by a well known and sought after Paris Silversmith, Maître orfèvre, Adolphe BOULENGER. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional. Dimensions: 3.5" Diameter x 1 1/8" Deep x 4 3/8" Long from thumb rest to end of Bowl. Very heavy gauge French .950 quality Silver, approx. 115 grams. The Design and Form are Classic with discreet adjustments. The Bubbles are larger, the Waves are deeper, the Finger Ring is massive and the Size is Large.

French .950 Quality Silver — Each Unique — Each made by different French Silversmiths

11 Antique Sterling Silver Wine Tasters, 18th & 19th Century French Sterling Silver Hallmarked in French .950 quality Silver or higher for my 18th Century models with each Unique and each made by different French Silversmiths. CONDITION WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY of each is simply outstanding and each is in its own way, unusual. From my Personal Collection for general Collector information and to illustrate the variety of Wine Tasters, or Tastevins when they are not commercially produced.

By Edmond Caron, Paris — .950 French Sterling Silver — 85 grams

Wonderful example of the Art of the French Silversmith using an original Sterling Silver 5 Francs Coin, signed by 'Barré' and a rare Coin on its own. Monsieur Caron Hallmarked his Work on the outside of the Bowl, the underside of the Finger Ring and the Thumb Rest. The weight, about 85g, the several clear Hallmarks show Caron's attention to detail and the Quality of this Wine Taster. Dimensions: Diameter of the Bowl is 7.9 cm and Weighing approximately a heavy 85 grams. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional.

Napoléon III — .950 French Silver — 75 grams — Ravinet d'Enfert + Marcel Renard

A remarkably beautiful, handmade, finest .950 French solid Silver Wine Taster, a Rare example by an important, well known and much sought after Paris France Silversmith, Ravinet d'Enfert. The Bowl has an inset Signed French solid Silver Medallion in Hallmarked Minerve .950 Sterling signed by a leading French Artist, 'Marcel Renard' sought after for his Medals. Along with Dropsy, Marcel RENARD is regarded as one of the finest Medalists in Europe. His Bronze Medals sell for Hundreds of Dollars and higher, his Silver Medals are more rare. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional.

By Vuillermet Ainés, Lyon France — Original Presentation Box — 200 grams total

Quite Rare are these 4 French Calvados, Cognac, Armagnac, silver Wine Tasters, in very fine quality considering their small size. Hallmarks are found at P. 102 'Dictionnaire des Poinçons, Orfèverie' and they are: A.J. & PEM = Silversmiths, Vuillermet Ainés, 5 bis, rue du 24 Février, in Lyon France. They come in their Original Handmade Presentation Box, lined in Red Velvet. Late 19th or early 20th century. The Box measures approximately 4.75 inches, or 12.0 cm Long. Total weight is about 200 grams. CONDITION WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are simply outstanding.

By Saglier Frères, 12 rue d'Enghien, Paris — Serpent Handle — 60 grams

A Rare and beautiful Tastevin, handmade, early and fully Hallmarked 4 times in the finest .950 French Silver. Dimensions: Diameter of the Bowl 7.9 cms and 2.59 cms High, Weighing approx. 60 grams. The early transitional thumb rest together with the simple but early design of waves and bubbles, although simple both are practical and elegant. Silversmith: Maître Orfèvre Saglier Frères, 12, rue d'Enghien Paris, 10th Arrondisement. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional considering its age, some 200 years young.

By Hennocque, 77 rue des Archives, Paris — Serpent Handle — 70 grams

Unique, early and one of a kind 'work of art' in the form of a Wine Taster handmade in Paris. The attention to detail, the weight, about 70g, the 3 clear Hallmarks, the Age and the Silversmith are all consistent with Quality. Hallmarked with the Tête de Vieillard, Head of an Old Man. France used this Hallmark, 1849-1878 in Paris. Silversmith: Maître Orfèvre Hennocque, 77, rue des Archives, Paris, 3rd Arrondisement. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional considering its age.

Serpent Handle with Sacred Pearl — Eschwage — 52 grams

Wonderful example of the Art of the French Silversmith with the Handle of this Wine Taster having 2 entwining Serpents with Heads separated by the fabled 'Sacred Pearl'. The Silversmith cleverly stamped the Silver Guarantee into the Pearl between the Heads and on the outside of the Bowl. The attention to detail by the Silversmith is evident in the Scales of the Serpents and the Sacred Pearl. The weight, about 52g, the 3 clear Hallmarks. Dimensions: Diameter of the Bowl is 7.0 cm and Weighing approximately a heavy 52 grams. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional.

Engraved 'A DUMAS' — .950 French Sterling Silver — 85 grams — Minerve Head N°1

An elegantly designed, practical, heavy masculine Tastevin possibly belonging to the son of Alexandre Dumas, the famous French Playwright. The name of the Owner, 'A DUMAS' is very beautifully & discreetly engraved in XIXth Century scroll and was engraved by an artist. This, together with the overall exceptional quality and weight of this Tastevin convinces me that it was a 'special order'. Dimensions: Diameter of the Bowl 7.25 cm x 2.25 cm Deep and Weighing more than 85 grams. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional with no dents, no dings, no repairs.

Fermier Généraux Hallmarks — 91 grams — Serpent Handle — Made before French Revolution

A Rare and beautifully executed Tastevin, handmade and fully Hallmarked in the finest .958/1000 Century French Silver, finer than both English Sterling .925 and French Minerve .950. Dimensions: Diameter of the Bowl 8.0 cm and Weighing approximately a heavy 91 grams. One finds many 19th Century Examples but, rarely one before the French Revolution as the Silver and Gold was melted down during the Revolution so this Example was guarded preciously by its owner. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional considering its age, nearly 250 years young.

1 Franc 1918 + 50 Centimes 1916 — Hammered Bowl — 'God Protect France' Engraved

A Rare and beautiful Tastevin, handmade, hammered Bowl and finest .950 French solid Silver Wine Taster. Dimensions: Diameter of the Bowl, 5.2 cms and 6.9 cms Long, Weight approx. 30 grams. The Bowl has an inset French Silver 1 Franc Coin Dated 1918. The Silversmith used the Coin to create a 'stand'. The Thumb Rest, a 50 Centimes French Coin Dated 1916, both solid French .950 Silver. The top of the rim of the Bowl is beautifully engraved in relief with 'God Protect France'. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional.

4 Tastevins — XIXth Century — .950 French Silver — Each Different

4 important Handmade Wine Tasters by one of France's finest Silversmiths, PUIFORCAT, Paris France. Each is clearly hallmarked 3 times with 19th Century French Sterling Minerve .950, (finer than English Sterling) and Silversmith & Silver Control Hallmarks. Each Wine Taster is Numbered if you have any Questions. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY for each are Exceptional, considering Age and Use.

By W. A. Humphries — 5 Hallmarks including Silver Jubilee Mark

An exceptional Handmade Wine Taster by one of Birmingham's finest Silversmiths, Walter Albert Humphries. Hallmarked 5 times with English Sterling .925 Silver Control, Silversmith Hallmarks, Date Letter, Birmingham hallmark, + Silver Jubilee Hallmark. Use your Chain by passing it through the Finger Ring or, use it with the Finger Ring and Thumb Rest. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are Exceptional, considering its Age and its Use.

Hallmarked T&C & TS — Total weight approx. 360 grams

Extraordinary Antique Service for Liqueur, Vodka, Cordials with 11 fabulous Goblets & matching Tray. Each piece, the Goblets and the Tray are Hallmarked by Silversmith T&C & TS. Very good weight and gauge. Total weight of the Service is approximately 360 grams. This Service is simply beautiful. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are excellent considering their age & use.

Sommelier Model — 2 Pierced Holes in Thumb Rest for Chain — .950 French Silver

An exceptional and RARE 'Sommelier Model' by one of the World's most illustrious Silversmiths, PUIFORCAT, Paris France. Hallmarked 4 times with French .950 Silver Control & Silversmith Hallmarks. Unique are the 2 pierced Holes in the extra large Thumb Rest which was designed to pass the Sommelier's Chain to wear around his Neck, designed not to interfere with the generous Finger Ring. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are Exceptional, considering its Age and its Use.

Twin Handled — Both French & English Sterling Silver Import Hallmarks

Extraordinary twin handled solid Silver Wine Taster bearing both French & English Sterling Silver Import Hallmarks. The Design is that of an early Continental Wine Taster and consistent with the Design, it is overall Decorated with embossed Scroll, Hazelnuts, Leaves, Flowers & Branches. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are outstanding, considering its Age and its Use.

Quadruple Silver Plated — 3 Christofle Hallmarks — 95.1 grams — 3.25" Diameter

Very fine, heavy and early example from Christofle. This example is a Silver quadruple plated Wine Taster made by the world famous French CHRISTOFLE Silver Firm at a time when the quality of their work was outstanding. There are 3 clear French Christofle Silver Hallmarks under the Thumb Rest. The taster is 3.25" in diameter & 4 1/8" to the end of the Thumb Rest and weighs approx. 95.1 grams. CONDITION WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are simply outstanding. No dents, nicks or repairs. Beware of Modern Copies. I sold an identical Example to 'The Elysian Restaurant' in London, England.

By CHRISTOFLE & CARDEILHAC — .950 French Silver — 95 grams — 9cm High

An Extraordinary, Large Wine Cup or Timbale, Goblet. Beaker made by the 2 most illustrious Paris Silver Firms, CHRISTOFLE & CARDEILHAC. Wonderful both for Wine & Alcohols. Hand made in the finest massive French .950 quality Silver, finer than English Sterling & Designed in the simplest form setting the GOBLET (Timbale in French) on a stepped Pedestal Base. This Timbale is Heavy weighing about 95g. (3oz) + DIMENSIONS: 9cm high. Hallmarked with French Silver Control Hallmark, Minerve Head + N°1 and that of both Silversmiths, CHRISTOFLE and CARDEILHAC. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional.

Maître Orfèvre DUBOIS — .950 French Silver — 75 grams — Minerve Head N°1

A Lovely & Rare example by a well known and sought after Paris Silversmith, DUBOIS who became Maître Orfèvre in 1857. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional. Dimensions: 7.5 cm in Diameter x 10.0 cm Long from Thumb Rest to the end of the Bowl. Very heavy gauge French .950 quality Silver, approx. 75 grams. The Design and Form are Classic with discreet adjustments. The Bubbles are larger, the Waves are deeper, the Finger Ring is massive and the Size is Large.

Quadruple Silver Plated — Made for 1969 International Wine Conference

Lovely French Silver Wine Taster from Dijon France by well known Silversmith, Marc Parrod. The Quality is outstanding, Quadruple SILVER plated. It is Hallmarked on the outside of the Bowl with the Hallmark for the Silversmith in a Rectangle. The Taster is 3.0" in diameter & 4.0" to the end of the Thumb Rest & .75" Deep. It was handmade by the Parrod Workshops in Dijon France for the 1969 IW (International Wine Conference) & so Hallmarked on the outside of the Bowl. The CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are simply outstanding.

Louis Coignet, Maître Orfèvre 1893 — .950 French Silver — 83 grams

A Magnificent & Rare example by a well known and sought after Paris Silversmith, Louis COIGNET who became Maître Orfèvre in 1893. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are exceptional. Dimensions: 3" Diameter x 1 1/8" Deep x 4 1/4" Long from thumb rest to end of Bowl. Very heavy gauge French .950 quality Silver, approx. 83 grams. One Examines hundreds of Wine Tasters just to find one like this.

Large, heavy — 90 grams — 3 French Silver Hallmarks — Minerve Head N°1

Large, heavy and very finely made French SILVER Wine Taster weighing about 90g, approx 3oz. in the finest .950 grade Silver, finer than Sterling. There are 3 French Silver Hallmarks, stamped on the underside of the Finger Ring. The well known Paris Silversmith, FRENAIS, 91 Avenue Kléber, Paris, 16th Arrondisement. Diameter 3 1/8" x 4.25" Long x 1" deep. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are extremely fine and excellent condition.

Tastevin Bordelais — Original Bordeaux Model — Minerve Head N°1

Superb French massive Silver Wine Taster, Original Bordeaux Model, called Ombilic. Clearly Hallmarked on the outside of the Finger Ring with the Minerve Head #1 French Silver control mark, finer than Sterling Silver. The simplicity & quality of the work are outstanding. It is the only one of its kind I have ever seen. CONDITION WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are excellent. One does not find examples like this, easily.

Minerve Head N°1 — 70 grams — Initials 'L-Horse-G' Silversmith

Very fine, heavy handmade & unique Antique French Wine Taster in massive Silver weighing about 70 grams. French Silver Hallmarks, Minerve Head + N°1 indicating finest Silver (finer than Sterling, 925/1000) stamped twice on the Ring Handle + on the side. The taster is 2.75" in diameter not including Thumb Rest & .75" deep. CONDITION WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are pristine. Note the thickness of the rim.

Each Different — .950 French Silver — Minerve Head N°1

3 French Antique Sterling Silver Wine Tasters, each different, each fully Hallmarked in French .950 quality Silver. BEWARE of Wine Tasters that are Dated by way of Inscription, and Seller dates it by Date engraved or, Date by the Date of the Coin — Wrong, a Date on a Coin or Medal only Dates that Coin or that Medal! CONDITION WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are excellent.

Fine, Large, Deep & Heavy (2+ oz.) — Minerve Head N°1 — 'Girard' Engraved

Fine, large, deep & heavy (2+ oz.) Antique French Wine Taster or Tastevin in massive French Silver. Stamped on bottom of thumb rest ring & on the inside of the Bowl with the French Silver Hallmarks, Minerve Head + N°1 indicating finest Silver (finer than Sterling, 925/1000). Silver maker's Mark indistinguishable. Diameter of Bowl is 3" & 1" deep. 'Girard' (original owner) is beautifully engraved on the Thumb Rest. CONDITION, WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are excellent considering age and use.

Brussels, Belgium — XIXth Century — 65 grams — Engraved 'MONTBEL'

XIXth Century Xfine, Large, Heavy (65 grams-2.5oz) Wine Tasting Cup or Tastevin made by a well known but seldom seen Silversmith, 'Wiskemann' Brussels, Belgium. Beautifully engraved with Bubbles & Waves or Lobes and a Spillage Lip on the Bowl which is quite unusual. French Silver Hallmarks, French Minerve Head N°1 (950/1000) indicating finest Silver (finer than Sterling 925/1000). Engraved in the Bowl is a Crown with the Cross of Malta, MONTBEL + initials and 2 dates. CONDITION WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY are excellent.