Exquisite antique Belle Epoque / Victorian era French sterling silver tea or coffee cup and saucer. Features elegant styling and stunning hand engraved floral decoration, with a charming motif of a bird in flight. Cartouche is monogrammed, the cup with initials JB, and the saucer with initials MRC or MCR. The cup finished with bamboo formed handle. Wonderful large size, ideal for hot chocolate or a substantial serving of your favorite tea or coffee. In overall good antique condition with general wear, some shallow dents commensurate with age and use. 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 indicate a silver content of .950/1000 silver (95% silver and a higher grade of finesse than the standard .925 for sterling). Bearing maker's marks for silversmith Edmond Bonnescoeur, active 1887-1908 at 11 rue de Crussol, Paris. Cup measures 4 7/8” wide with handle, 3 3/8” diameter opening x 2 ¼” height. Saucer measures 5 7/8” diameter. Total silver weight is 236.3 grams.