18th Century Silver Wine Taster

Origin: Paris, France Period: Louis XV (18th century) Year: 1756 Technical Specifications Material: Solid silver Silversmith: Alexandre de Roussy (received in 1728) Weight: 89 grams Stylistic Details & Hallmarks Pattern: Radiating ribbed decoration highlighted with dots. Focus on the Silversmith: Alexandre de Roussy Mastership: Received "Master" in Paris on July 21, 1728. Historical Context: He worked during the reign of Louis XV, a pivotal period when French silversmithing reached a peak of technical refinement. Wine-tasting cups from this period, like yours, are often more robust and more distinctive than later 19th-century models. Style: The fluted decoration with dots is typical of the mid-18th century. The serpentine handle is a classic feature of Burgundian and Parisian silverware, often symbolizing vigilance or simply Baroque elegance. Signature: The engraving "VRAIN E VILLAIN" on the rim likely indicates the name of the original owner. At the time, the wine-tasting cup was a precious personal item, often carried on one's person (sometimes on the belt or in a pocket). Why is this piece interesting? Complete traceability: Thanks to the guild hallmarks (date letter) and the charge/discharge mark, we have a precise year (1756) and city (Paris), which is the "holy grail" for collectors. State of preservation: In the photos, the reliefs (the ribs and dots) still appear quite sharp, suggesting that the object has not been over-polished over the centuries. Unity: The fact that the maker's mark is present on both the body and the handle guarantees that the piece is original and has not undergone any composite repair. Handle: Serpentine model (in the shape of an entwined snake). State hallmarks: * Charge and discharge mark for Paris (1756-1762). Guild hallmark for Paris, date letter 1756. Goldsmith's mark (body and handle): Alexandre DE ROUSSY. Historical context: It This craft was practiced during the reign of Louis XV, a pivotal period when French goldsmithing reached a peak of technical refinement. Wine-tasting cups from this era are often more robust and distinctive than later 19th-century models. Style: The fluted decoration with dotted lines is typical of the mid-18th century. The serpentine handle is a classic feature of Burgundian and Parisian goldsmithing, often symbolizing vigilance or simply Baroque elegance.