Pair of Antique French .950 Silver-Gilt Liqueur Cups with Vieillard Mark, Paris 1819–1838

A distinctive pair of antique French first-standard .950 silver liqueur cups or shot cups, bearing the Paris Vieillard mark used between 1819 and 1838.

Each small barrel-form cup is decorated with neatly incised horizontal bands and fitted with a delicate loop handle. The interiors retain a warm gilt wash, creating an attractive contrast with the polished silver exterior. Their compact proportions and early 19th-century Paris hallmarks give the pair a strong decorative presence despite their miniature scale.

These cups would make an appealing addition to a collection of early French silver, European drinking vessels or curated antique barware. Due to the condition of one cup, they are best suited to collector display rather than regular practical use.

Details

Item: Pair of antique liqueur cups, cordial cups or shot cups

Origin: Paris, France

Period: Early 19th century, 1819–1838

Maker: Unidentified French silversmith

Material: French first-standard .950 silver with gilt-washed interiors

Hallmarks: Vieillard first-standard silver mark for Paris, used between 1819 and 1838, with additional French maker’s mark

Weight: 80.6 grams combined

Height: 4 cm each

Design: Barrel-form bodies with incised horizontal ribbed bands, small loop handles and gilt-washed interiors

Condition

Good antique condition overall. One cup remains intact. The second cup has a pronounced dent near the handle and two cracks along the rim. The condition has been reflected in the price. Please review the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical and Collector Context

The Vieillard mark, also known as the old man’s head mark, was used on French silver between 1819 and 1838. The Paris first-standard version identifies high-grade .950 silver, which contains a greater proportion of pure silver than British sterling silver at .925.

Small silver drinking cups of this type were intended for liqueurs, cordials or spirits. Their early Paris hallmarks, gilt-washed interiors and matched barrel-form design give this pair collector appeal despite the age-related damage to one cup.

Please Note

All items are vintage or antique and may show signs of age and previous use. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. Feel free to message with any questions prior to purchase.