A sterling silver wine taster or 'tastevin' made by Hermès. This beautifully made and designed drinking cup is very classic in its design. In this instance the handle used to angle the cup toward the mouth is the classic ring to secure on the hand, and then a large thumb rest above it to make for an easy tip to the mouth. The center of the cup is set with a genuine French silver coin, valuable in its own right, which looks wonderful with the wine running over it. The quality of the piece is wonderful throughout, with a thick gauge of silver, but a refinement to the lip.
The coin at the center of this fabulous cup is a French solid silver coin dating from 1726. It was minted to commemorate the wedding of the French King Louis VX to the Polish Princess Maria Leszczyńska in August of 1725. The daughter of King Stanislaus I of Poland and Catherine Opalińska, her forty two year service was the longest of any queen in French history. A devout Roman Catholic throughout her life, Marie was popular among the French people for her generosity and introduced many Polish customs to the royal court at Versailles. She was the grandmother of Louis XVI, Louis XVIII and Charles X.
The piece was made by the French manufacturers Ravinet D'Enfert for Hermès, and features their makers mark. They were large scale silversmiths in France and were contracted by Hermès to make home goods for the luxury atelier during the mid 20th Century.
This can, of course, be used for any purpose such as a catchall. However, its origins derived from ancient French wine tradition. A tastevin is an old tasting-cup used by tasters and wine-producers. According to a custom going back to the 15th or 16th century, it is given as a christening present, and regarded as a tool rather than an "objet d'art" and people of Burgundy keep it one their pocket! It is an essential utensil for winegrowers and wine tasters, the tâtevin, tâter which translates"to taste"is the only recognised wine tasting cup.
The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin has its own spelling of the word "tastevin". This refers to a local colour and also established precedence; for this word, particular to the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, is officially registered and protected in France. The words"Tastevin", "Tastevinage", "Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin" are not 'common' words. Moreover, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin features in the Larousse Dictionary, which gives its aim: " To magnify wine at its noblest ".
The piece is fully signed on the side of the rim, also featuring the French assay mark for silver, the Minerva head, and makers marks. The thumb rests is also marked with the Minerva mark on the underside. The condition is excellent throughout. Made in France, circa 1960's.