Antiquary & Expert CNES

Solid silver ceremonial cup

Dijon, Louis XVI period – Dated 1778

Elegant circular bowl with two handles resting on a gadrooned foot.

• Body: Hemispherical shape with a flat rim, displaying a beautiful period patina.
• Handles: Two side handles with foliate scrolls in the rocaille style.
• Base: Moulded pedestal decorated with a frieze of gadroons , typical of the neoclassical repertoire under Louis XVI.

Analysis of Hallmarks (General information from Dijon)

The coin features a complete series of hallmarks from the Ancien Régime, which are particularly clear:

1. Stamp of Charge: letter “A” with arabesques, for the jurisdiction of Dijon , period 1775-1781.
2. Town Hall (Jurande) hallmark: letter “P” , corresponding precisely to the year 1778 in Dijon.
3. Goldsmith's hallmark: Initials "IC" surrounding a chalice beneath a crown. This hallmark is attributed to the Couleru (or potentially Chartier ) family, a line of renowned goldsmiths active in Burgundy during the 18th century.
4. Discharge Punch: Small profile head (output punch).

Provenance and Historical Inscription

The object bears an inscription engraved in line: “GADAN G. DODEY” .

Technical Specifications

• Material: Solid silver (958/1000 – 1st standard of the Ancien Régime).
• Period: Louis XVI (1778).
• Origin: France, Burgundy (Dijon).
• Condition: Excellent condition. The hallmarks are fresh and only slightly worn, which is a sign of quality for collectors.

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This piece is a rare and well-documented example of 18th-century French provincial goldsmithing, combining a prestigious local provenance with masterful execution.