Christofle Paris – Pair Of Small “wedding” Cups In Solid Silver

Rare pair of solid silver cups modeled on wedding cups by CHRISTOFLE in Paris.
The plain cup is decorated on either side with two scrolled grips topped with crooks, with heart-shaped attachments. The whole rests on a pedestal base decorated with a frieze of laurel leaves.

Hallmarks (cut and base)
•    Minerva 1st title.
•    Master goldsmith: OC a bee and three stars in a horizontal diamond.
•    Scale mark.

Dimensions
•    Height: 5.1 cm.
•    Diameter: 5.2 cm.
•    Length: 7.4cm.

Net weight: 54 grams.

Condition report
Some scratches from use but superb condition of integrity.

This very rare pair of cups from the CHRISTOFLE house has the interesting particularity of identically reproducing wedding cups from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
From the scrolled handles to the delicately molded crooks to the symbolism of the heart or the decoration of the pedestal, all the characteristic elements of these cups offered on the wedding day are carefully reproduced, in a reduced version.
Wedding presents decorated with sugared almonds, salt cellars or egg cups, the precise function of these two delicate and original pieces remains to be determined by its future buyer.

The three hallmarks are both inscribed under the bowl, as in the Grand Siècle, and on the upper part of the pedestal. The balance hallmark, similar to the master goldsmith hallmark used until the end of the 18th century, reinforces the tribute.