Antique French sterling silver wine taster sommelier cup, tastevin. The circular bowl embossed with raised "perles", concave "cupules" and elongated godrons create reflections in the wine to better judge its color and clarity. The ring handle allows the tastevin to be worn suspended from a chain, the round thumbpiece monogrammed with interlaced initials AJ. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, in use from 1838, which depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her denoting a silver content of .950/1000 (95% silver and higher than the standard .925 for sterling silver). Bearing marker's mark for silversmith Honoré Lemarié. He entered his mark on February 13th 1865 and commenced trade at Rue de Breteuil 4, Paris. 4 1/2" length x 3 1/8" width x 1 1/4" height (including the thumbpiece). Weighs 88.5g. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with use and age.