Fine antique Continental .800 (nearly sterling) silver wine or mint julep cup, tumbler or "timbale" with Classical style cross ribbon & fluted band near the rim, sleek & elegant! Stamped with Continental hallmarks consisting of an oval mark with faint profile bust, triangle mark with three stars and "800". I've not found a country of manufacture as of yet, mainly because I can't quite make out the profile marking but will keep looking and add the info if/when found. Wonderful and one of several that we'll be adding in the next week or two so be sure to browse some while you're with us and check back often. Thanks!
"Timbale" is the French term for the stemless metal goblet or tumbler used for wine, (in our case, sterling silver). The noun feminine for it is tasse, which is more like a typical cup with handle. Demi-tasse is a half or small cup. In their time, these were used for wine at the table. Some speculate this form of drinking goblet is that after which the English term for 'thimble' evolved, the form or shape being that of the thimble for sewing. The goblet predates the sewing thimble, however. A long history is France, these are much sought after and bring a surprising price as many collect this particularly French wine goblet. The earlier, the better. I've seen them fetch upward of $1000, and even the more common silversmiths from 19th century are in the $400 range and above.
Very good condition. This one weighs a relatively heavy 91 grams, solid silver though 80% so just under the .925 standard for "sterling" silver. Some light surface scuffing possible and it appears there are one or two small dings to the base edge. See pictures for weight and measurements.
