An antique Belle Epoque era French sterling silver demitasse or miniature cup and saucer. Beautifully crafted, with elegant style and form.
Patterned in the Art Nouveau style with a charming applied motif of thistle flowers and leaves. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark. In use from 1838, the mark depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her to denote a silver content of. 950/1000 silver 95% silver and a higher grade of finesse than the standard. Bearing makers marks for Louis Ravinet & Charles Denfert, active 1891 to 1912 at 83 rue du Temple, Paris. Cup measures 2 3/8 wide with handle, 1 3/8 height x 1 5/8 diameter opening. Saucer is 3 ¼ diameter. Total silver weight is 64.9 grams. In overall good condition with general wear commensurate with age and use.