73 - TASTEVIN FOR WINE TASTING. PIERRE HIPPOLYTE FOURNEROT. PARIS, 1833–1857.

TASTEVIN FOR WINE TASTING. PIERRE HIPPOLYTE FOURNEROT. PARIS, 1833–1857. A finely crafted French silver tastevin with a gilt interior, produced by the Parisian master silversmith Pierre Hippolyte Fournerot during the period 1833–1857. This elegant vessel represents the classic form of the professional sommelier’s tasting cup, traditionally used to assess the colour, clarity and brilliance of wine under the subdued lighting conditions of historic wine cellars. The circular bowl features the characteristic embossed interior composed of concentric rings, raised bosses and faceted motifs, specifically designed to multiply light reflections across the wine’s surface and facilitate accurate visual examination. The richly gilded interior protects the silver from the acidity of wine while preventing any metallic influence on its flavour. This example is a refined expression of French silver craftsmanship from the periods of the July Monarchy and the Second Empire, combining exceptional workmanship with practical functionality rooted in the traditions of French viticulture. Its relatively light weight suggests that it was intended for regular professional use by vintners, wine merchants and expert tasters. Hallmarks: Registered maker’s mark of the Parisian silversmith Pierre Hippolyte Fournerot, together with French official Paris assay marks dating to the period 1833–1857. Dimensions: Height: 3 cm. Width: 9.5 cm. Material: Silver, gilt interior. Weight: 48 g. Width: 9.5cm, Height: 3cm, Depth: 7cm, Weight: 0.048kg, Condition: Good, Material: Silver 925, ID: ID-ANTQ-5805