French Louis XVI Silver Tastevin with Écu aux Branches d'Olivier and Double Serpent Handle

Details

Description

An extraordinary museum-quality piece of french silverwork, this rare tastevin in solid silver embodies the elegance of the eighteenth century … Read more An extraordinary museum-quality piece of french silverwork, this rare tastevin in solid silver embodies the elegance of the eighteenth century and the prestige of royal france.

the bowl is richly decorated with repoussé vine leaves and grapes, while its center features an authentic french silver écu “aux branches d’olivier” of louis xvi, dated 1779. The presence of this coin elevates the object beyond a simple wine taster: it is a true encounter between numismatics and master silversmithing.
equally remarkable is the handle, shaped as two intertwined serpents, a motif both rare and symbolic, evoking vigilance and knowledge. The rim bears the engraved name of its owner — “f. Mazale. De. Fraice” — making this tastevin a unique, personalized witness of its time.

details
material: solid silver (hallmarked)
center: authentic louis xvi écu “aux branches d’olivier” in silver, dated 1779
decoration: vine leaves and grapes in relief, gadrooned border
handle: double serpent motif, finely chased
engraving: “f. Mazale. De. Fraice” — rare personalized inscription

dimensions:
diameter: 8 cm (3.15 in)
height: 3 cm (1.18 in)
length with handle: 10.5 cm (4.13 in)
weight: 124 g

period: late 18th century / early 19th century

condition: excellent, crisp details, coin perfectly legible, engraving authentic

provenance & authenticity
from a private french collection. Accompanied by an invoice and certificate of authenticity from le repaire des antiquités.

significance
this exceptional tastevin combines three rare features seldom seen together:
a genuine royal silver coin dated 1779.
a double serpent handle, a rare and symbolic motif.
a personalized inscription attesting to its historical ownership.

such a combination makes this object not only a refined tool of oenology but also a collector’s treasure of royal france, worthy of the finest museums or private collections. See less