Antique French sterling silver wine taster sommelier cup, tastevin. Classic design, 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. Rounded thumbpiece, with 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 marker's mark for silversmith Paul Tonnelier, (successor to Cesar Tonnelier) active 1882-1889 at 325 boulevard St. Martin, Paris. Measures 4" length x 3" width x 1 1/8" height (to the top of the thumbpiece). Weighs 75g. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with use and age.