Antique French sterling silver wine taster sommelier cup, tastevin. The circular bowl embossed with raised "perles", concave "cupules" and elongated "godrons" to create reflections in the wine to better judge its color and clarity. The exterior with engraved name F. Renault, and date 1850. The ring handle allows the tastevin to be worn suspended from a chain. 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 hallmarks of silversmith Eugène François Rion. He succeeded his father Sixte-Simon Rion in 1841 and continued operation until 1862 at their workshop at 27 rue de Harley, Paris. He used his father's mark of a serpent but incorporated his initials EFR. Measures 3 3/4" length x 2 7/8" width x 1 1/8" height (to the top of the handle) Weighs 60g. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with use and age.