Very unique antique French hallmarked 18k gold on sterling silver "vermeil" & porcelain or pottery shaker or caster in the form of an artichoke! The cream colored pottery or porcelain body definitely in the form of an artichoke, the caped base appears to be a stopper or would have slipped down into a lower serving dish perhaps, with artichokes around the center shaker? A mystery for sure but beautiful nonetheless and very, very unique. I sure would like to see it in its original set, it would surely have been amazing. The lid and base bear the French Minerve or Minerva hallmark, the tiny number "1" within the marks means it's in .950 silver (95% pure and so above the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). The silversmith marks are for Vueve Risler & Carre, Paris circa 1880-1905. A lovely piece as is!
Very good condition. As you can see, there is some wear to the vermeil gold plating. No dents or damage to the silver and no chips or cracks to the thick & heavy porcelain/pottery body. See images for all measurements.
