A rare antique silver wine taster (or tasse de vin) of simple plain form with a serpent handle. Excellent quality and heavy gauge silver.
Weight 166 grams, 5.3 troy ounces.
Height 3.5 cm (4.0 cms to top of handle). Diameter 8 cm. Spread 11.75 cm.
Stamped on the base with French silver marks.
Circa 1750. Also marked on handle and on the rim.
The saucer shaped taster was already in use as early as the 14th century BC in Minoan Crete and has been essential in the production of wine right through to the present time. It is used by the sommelier to determine a wine’s quality by assessing the color, clarity, bouquet and taste. The majority of wine tasters in existence are French. The owners often engraved their name on the taster whose single flat handle often accommodated a neck cord. Very few English wine tasters were made because wine was not a national product however a number were produced during a short period in the second half of the 17th century.
This delightful wine taster is in very good condition. Good colour. The marks are clear and easy to read. This taster has been used and there are some bruises around the edge.
Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.
By appointment only.
